The 31-year-old Czech goalie hasn't looked this sharp — and been this healthy and confident — since the start of the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season while with Carolina.
Petr Mrazek will make his sixth start in seven games for the Blackhawks on Sunday night in Dallas.
The resurgent 31-year-old Czech goalie is healthy and confident again after injuries dogged him the past three seasons. A groin condition that hobbled him often during the past two — while he was with Toronto in 2021-22, then the Blackhawks last year — seems to be in the rear-view mirror.
"We're gonna' run him," coach Luke Richardson said. "Petr deserves this opportunity." See following video.
Mrazek is 2-2-1 with a .902 save percentage in his last five starts. For the season, he's 9-11-1 with a 3.07 goals-against average and .908 save percentage on an 11-22-2 team that's allowed 43 goals than it's scored.
The last-place and depleted Blackhawks would be even worse with out him, especially as 24-year-old Arvid Söderblom has struggled over the past month.
"That's crazy some of the saves he makes on a nightly basis," rookie Connor Bedard said after he scored both goals and Mrazek made 37 saves in a 2-1 OT win over Winnipeg on Wednesday. "He's been unreal every game."
Mrazek Has Been Good When Healthy
Mrazek has enjoyed very effective runs after debuting with the Detroit Red Wings at age 20 in February 2013.
He was on a roll with his third team, the Carolina Hurricanes when COVID-19 and injuries hit.
Mrazek started the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season with two shutouts in three games. He got hurt in a collision in his fourth start and needed surgery on his right thumb.
Mrazek came back in April 2021. He finished with a 6-2-3 record, 2.06 goals against average and .923 save percentage in 12 games.
That was good enough to net him a three-year free-agent contract with Toronto that paid $3.8 million annually. Mrazek and his agent finalized the deal with former Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas in July 2021.
Then a nagging groin condition prevented the goalie from performing up to par. The Leafs unloaded Mrazek and his salary to the Blackhawks on July 7, 2022.
Chicago also got a first-round 2022 draft pick, 25th overall, in exchange for second-round pick, 38th overall, in the deal. The Blackhawks used the selection to take defenseman Sam Rinzel.
But the groin was still an issue for Mrazek in 2022-23 with Chicago. Now he seems to have it under control and is a different man.
"Just be healthy. You know that's the No. 1 thing," Mrazek said. "When I feel good, I know I can play the game how I want to play.
"And the things we're doing on the ice with Jimmy (goalie coach Waite) helps, so that gets you a lot of confidence."
Richardson also has noticed more of a take-charge vibe from Mrazek, with the goalie talking to teammates and directing play near his net.
Contract, Asset Management Issues
Mrazek is in the final year of his contract and arguably earning his $3.8 million in 2023-24 by backstopping the young, undermanned Blackhawks.
He'll be 32 at the end of the season, so Mrazek faces a pivotal career decision. Now healthy, he needs to earn money while he still can — like any pro athlete.
A sharp Mrazek could be attractive and valuable, even as an end-of-season rental, to a contending team as the March 8, 2024 trade deadline approaches.
Will Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson move Mrazek for more future assets, especially if Chicago sinks deeper in the standings? Or could Davidson consider offering Mrazek a contract extension for a year or two while Drew Commesso develops at Rockford, then Adam Gajan percolates as a collegiate at Minnesota-Duluth?
On the other hand, does Mrazek's history of groin injures make him a risky investment for any team?
Lots of moving part and considerations. Stay tuned.