Petr Mrazek's New Deal with the Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks have made a significant move in securing their goaltending future by signing Petr Mrazek to a two-year contract. The deal, valued at $8.5 million, will keep Mrazek with the team through the next couple of seasons and carries an average annual value of $4.25 million.
Season Performance
Mrazek's performance this season has been noteworthy despite the Blackhawks' struggles as a team. With a record of 12-17-1, Mrazek has demonstrated resilience in the crease. His goals-against average (GAA) stands at 3.01, accompanied by a save percentage of .907, respectable numbers given the context of the team's overall performance. Throughout the 32 games he has played this season, Mrazek has managed to earn one shutout, showcasing his capability to perform at a high level.
The Blackhawks, who currently hold a season record of 14-31-2, find themselves at the bottom of the Central Division. This position is something that both the management and players are keen to improve upon, and Mrazek's contract renewal is a step toward rebuilding and stabilizing the team.
Avoiding Free Agency
With the potential of facing unrestricted free agency after this year, the new contract ensures that Mrazek remains a core part of the Blackhawks' roster. Over the course of his career, Mrazek has appeared in 366 games, boasting a solid overall record of 162-141-35. His lifetime GAA is 2.78 with a consistent save percentage of .907. Additionally, Mrazek has achieved 25 career shutouts, further highlighting his proficiency between the pipes.
Playoff Experience
Mrazek's experience extends into the postseason, where his record is 12-15. In playoff scenarios, his GAA improves to 2.43 and his save percentage to .911, along with five shutouts. These statistics underscore Mrazek's ability to elevate his game when the stakes are highest.
Team and Player Reactions
Expressing his contentment with the new contract, Mrazek said, "Yeah, I’m really happy we got it done." He added, "I’m grateful for the opportunity I received last year and am excited about what the future holds for us."
Kyle Davidson, representing the Blackhawks' management, praised Mrazek, stating, "Petr is a strong goaltender who continues to display the athleticism and calming style of play that has made him so successful in this league." Davidson also emphasized the positive influence Mrazek has within the team: "He’s had an immense impact within our group, and we’re excited to have Petr back."
Mrazek himself is focused on the bigger picture for the Blackhawks, saying, "Obviously the number one thing is to win games and be part of a winning team and having fun in the locker room while winning." He continued to express his commitment to the team's progress, "It’s something we’re trying to change here, the culture and everything, and it’s been fun for me to play like this, to be playing every night and being healthy, feeling good about yourself." Emphasizing his dedication, Mrazek concluded, "Having good games definitely helps but the number one thing for me is to turn things around here as a team and start winning games soon."
Coach Luke Richardson expressed his satisfaction with Mrazek's contributions, saying, "He’s been great." Richardson elaborated on the challenges Mrazek faced and overcame, "I think last year he had a bit of injury trouble and he corrected that. He had a great finish last year for us and this year he’s been fantastic." Richardson also highlighted Mrazek's professionalism and work ethic, which serve as an example to younger players: "Other than that, whether he’s sick or feeling a little banged up, he shows up for work every day, never takes a day off. He’s shown true professionalism and that’s good for the younger guys to see."
Other Signings
In other transaction news, Nick Foligno has agreed to a two-year deal worth $9 million with the Blackhawks, averaging $4.5 million annually. Jason Dickinson also signed a two-year contract, matching Mrazek's $8.5 million total value, with an average annual value of $4.25 million. These signings are indicative of the Blackhawks' strategy to shape a competitive team for the upcoming seasons.
As the Blackhawks look to climb from the depths