Petr Mrazek Secures Two-Year Contract with Blackhawks
Petr Mrazek's New Deal with the Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks have secured goaltender Petr Mrazek for two more years, staving off what could have been his entry into unrestricted free agency. The deal, worth $8.5 million, locks Mrazek in with an average annual value of $4.25 million—a testament to the confidence the organization has in his abilities between the pipes.
Season Performance
Mrazek's season performance has been a bright spot despite the Blackhawks' struggles. With a record of 12-17-1, he has maintained a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.01 and a save percentage of .907 over 32 games. His contribution includes a shutout, adding to his career total. While the team's season record stands at a less-than-ideal 14-31-2, firmly placing them at the bottom of the Central Division, Mrazek's individual efforts haven't gone unnoticed.
Impact on the Team
"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," said Kyle Davidson, highlighting the netminder's influence within the Blackhawks' roster. Coach Luke Richardson echoed these sentiments, praising Mrazek's professionalism and work ethic, especially noting his recovery from last year's injury troubles and his excellent communication with the team's defensemen.
Mrazek's Outlook
"Yeah, I’m really happy we got it done," Mrazek expressed, reflecting on his new contract. He conveyed his gratitude for the previous year's opportunities and showed enthusiasm for the future prospects of the team. "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," Mrazek continued, emphasizing his role in fostering a winning culture within the locker room.
Career Overview
Mrazek's tenure in the NHL has been marked by consistency and resilience. Over 366 career games, he boasts a record of 162-141-35, with a lifetime GAA of 2.78 and a save percentage also at .907. His playoff performance is equally impressive, recording a 12-15 record with a GAA of 2.43, a save percentage of .911, and five shutouts, demonstrating his ability to elevate his game under postseason pressure.
Other Signings
In related news, the Blackhawks are not the only team making strategic moves. Nick Foligno recently signed a two-year deal with an undisclosed team, valued at $9 million, which works out to an average annual value of $4.5 million. Similarly, Jason Dickinson has inked a two-year contract worth $8.5 million, matching Mrazek's average annual value of $4.25 million.
Final Thoughts
As the Blackhawks navigate through a challenging season, the re-signing of Petr Mrazek serves as a significant step towards stability and improvement. His dedication and performance offer hope to fans and teammates alike, suggesting that better days are on the horizon for this storied franchise. With Mrazek's renewed commitment to the team, the Blackhawks will look to rebuild and climb their way back up the standings in the competitive Central Division.
