Petr Mrazek Is the Goalie the Toronto Maple Leafs Need
In looking to add a goalie through free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Petr Mrazek.
It’s been a rollercoaster regarding the goaltending situation for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After finally finding their reliable starting goaltender Frederik Andersen, the team found themselves in a similar situation, five years later.
With Andersen leaving for the Carolina Hurricanes, general manager Kyle Dubas decided to sign a goaltender that left the Canes this offseason. That is Petr Mrazek.
The goaltending swap benefits both teams. The Canes wanted someone to shoulder starting games, and the Leafs wanted their second part of a goaltending duo.
Working the numbers
The Czech joins Jack Campbell to combine for a reliable goaltending duo that combines for just under $1 million of a higher cap hit than Andersen’s current contract. While the Canes are paying $4.5 annually for Andersen, the Leafs are paying $5.45 million for their new duo.
While Frederik finished the ’20-’21 season with a .895 save percentage, Campbell and Mrazek combine for a .922 save percentage. That’s a lot more stable for a lesser price, considering Mrazek makes $700k less than his predecessor.
At only $3.8 million per season, Mrazek’s cap hit ranks 22nd in the NHL among goaltenders. That’s lower than Jonathan Bernier and Mikko Koskinen.
Toronto Maple Leafs and Petr Mrazek
While some are concerned over Mrazek’s move from a small market in Carolina to a large one in Toronto, he had experience in a large market with the Detroit Red Wings. After getting drafted in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Draft, he wore red and white for his first six seasons in the NHL.
He did have his ups and downs, though. From an impressive ’15-’16 season where he saved 92.1 percent of the shots thrown his way, he declined to 90.1 percent the following season.
As a starter, Petr has been inconsistent, but as one part of a split goaltending duo, he is in a position to succeed. When he is not on his game, Campbell can step in and do just enough to let the high-powered offense win the game.
Having two reliable goaltenders allows head coach Sheldon Keefe to have options on who will play. The hot hand will likely take over. That will let the team at least outscore the opponent.
Some fans and analysts don’t believe Mrazek will be a star goaltender, and they’re probably right. The amazing thing is he doesn’t need to be. Stop 91 percent of the shots your way, and the Toronto Maple Leafs can win the President’s Trophy.
Hopefully, one of the two goaltenders can pull it together in the playoffs. A hot goalie can take you to the Stanley Cup Finals. Have a look at the Montreal Canadiens.
Next. 2021 Regular Season Player, Management and Goalie Grades. dark
Stats courtesy of NHL.com
Cap/contract info courtesy of CapFriendly
This is a home-run signing for Dubas. If things don’t pan out with Petr Mrazek, you can flip him to one of the goalie-hungry teams. If he does work out, then you have him on a cheap deal for three years. It’s a win-win situation.