The Toronto Maple Leafs may be looking to move struggling goaltender, Petr Mrazek, before the NHL Trade Deadline on Monday, March 21st, and the Detroit Red Wings may have the perfect landing spot.
Mrazek has struggled for the Toronto Maple Leafs since returning from a groin injury early this season. He was given a great opportunity to cease the crease since usual starter, Jack Campbell, has been sidelined by a rib injury, but rookie netminder, Erik Källgren, seems to have captured the net.
If Källgren continues to play well, Petr Mrazek will be expendable. Mrazek may return to the form that led him to a .923 save percentage with the Carolina Hurricanes last season, but with a $3.8 million cap hit, the Leafs may be better off spending their money elsewhere.
Petr Mrazek could use a change of scenery in a market more patient that the “win now” Toronto Maple Leafs can afford to offer. He needs to be on a team with cap space in desperate need of a goaltender.
Toronto Maple Leafs Could Trade Petr Mrazek Back to Detroit Red Wings
Mrazek’s former team, the Detroit Red Wings, have had goaltending issues of their own. Backup, Thomas Greiss, has brandished an ugly .887 save percentage, and last season’s rookie standout, Alex Nedeljkovic, currently sits at .900 as Detroit’s starter.
If Mrazek were to return to Detroit he could be a great mentor to former Carolina Hurricanes teammate, Alex Nedeljkovic. Mrazek should be very familiar with Detroit after spending six seasons with the team.
The Toronto Maple Leafs don’t need much in return for Mrazek. They would value the available cap space more than anything. They could probably take a lower draft pick or prospect out of the deal.
Depending on the market, the Leafs may be able to acquire pending UFA Vladislav Namestnikov in a deal with Detroit. Namestnikov would be a depth forward on the Leafs that would probably play on their fourth line but could fill in as high as their second line when injuries arise.
Namestnikov was dealt to the Colorado Avalanche from the Ottawa Senators on the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline for a fourth round pick after recording similar numbers to this season. If the Calle Jarnkrok deal is a true indication of the current market though, Namestnikov could be more valuable now.
The NHL Trade Deadline is fast approaching, and I can’t wait to see what moves the Toronto Maple Leafs make to bolster their playoff roster.