Petr Mrazek Secures Two-Year Contract with Blackhawks
Goaltender Petr Mrazek has officially inked a two-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks, solidifying his position between the pipes with a contract valued at $8.5 million. The agreement sets Mrazek's average annual salary at $4.25 million, ensuring stability for both the player and the team as they look to rebuild their roster.
Mrazek's Season Performance
Despite a challenging season, Mrazek has maintained a record of 12-17-1. His resilience in the net is reflected by a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.01 and a save percentage (SV%) of .907 over 32 games, including one shutout. Although these statistics may not be eye-catching at first glance, they are a testament to Mrazek's persistence under the pressure of playing for a team that has struggled throughout the season, with the Blackhawks currently holding a 14-31-2 record and sitting at the bottom of the Central Division.
Approaching Free Agency
The timing of this new contract was crucial for Mrazek, who was on the cusp of unrestricted free agency. This deal not only secures his immediate future but also reflects the organization's confidence in him as a key player moving forward. Throughout his career, spanning 366 games, Mrazek has built an impressive overall record of 162-141-35, complemented by a lifetime GAA of 2.78 and a consistent SV% of .907, along with 25 career shutouts.
Playoff Experience
Mrazek's experience extends into the postseason, where he holds a playoff record of 12-15. His performance intensifies during critical moments, as evidenced by his playoff GAA of 2.43 and SV% of .911, alongside five playoff shutouts. These numbers highlight Mrazek's ability to elevate his game when it matters most, a trait the Blackhawks will undoubtedly rely on as they strive to return to playoff contention.
Player and Management Reactions
"Yeah, I’m really happy we got it done," expressed Mrazek, reflecting his satisfaction with the new contract. He continued, "I’m grateful for the opportunity I received last year and am excited about what the future holds for us." His optimism is shared by Blackhawks' General Manager Kyle Davidson, who praised Mrazek's contributions: "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 further emphasized Mrazek's influence within the team, stating, "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, underscoring the importance of a collective effort to improve the team's fortunes: "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 said. "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 added, highlighting his commitment to turning the team's performance around.
Coaching Staff Endorsements
Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson has also voiced his support for Mrazek, acknowledging the goalie's perseverance through adversity. "He’s been great," said Richardson. "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 noted the importance of managing Mrazek's workload to prevent burnout, a strategy that has paid dividends thus far.
Richardson didn't stop there, lauding Mrazek's off-ice contributions as well: "His communication with the defensemen is huge, especially with a lot of young guys on our defensive core." The coach also admired Mrazek's work ethic, stating, "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 news, the Blackhawks were not alone in securing talent, as Nick Foligno agreed to a two-year deal worth $9 million with an average annual value of $4.5 million, and Jason Dickinson signed a two-year contract valued at $8.5 million