The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the worst teams in the NHL. However, with Connor Bedard there amongst many other great prospects in the system, the rebuild is going well.
The team plays hard under coach Luke Richardson which is good news because he might be the right guy to have once all of this talent is ready for the NHL.
The goaltending has also been pretty good for a team that is this low in the standings. It was thought that Petr Mrazek might be a good trade deadline target for a contender but we now know that won't be the case.
It came out on Wednesday that the Blackhawks and Mrazek have come to terms on a contract extension. The soon-to-be 32-year-old goaltender is getting a two-year deal worth just over 8 million. It has an average annual value of 4.25 million.
**Breaking News** šØ š°
ā Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) January 24, 2024
Iām told the @NHLBlackhawks are re signing their top G Petr Mrazek to a 2 Yr Contract Extension worth slighty north of $8 Million. #Blackhawks #HockeyX #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/v3k6iFmei0
#Blackhawks extension with goalie Petr Mrazek: 2 years x $4.25 million.
ā Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 24, 2024
First on the case: @KevinWeekes.
The Chicago Blackhawks have extended goaltender Petr Mrazek.
Kyle Davidson is a very smart GM. He shows it more and more with every transaction that he makes. This move is next in line as it will help the Hawks stabilize the position.
The goaltenders that the Blackhawks have in the system are not ready yet. None of them have even proven that they are on the right track to become an NHL starter. Mrazek extends that window for them to develop properly.
Entering play on Wednesday, he has a record of 12-17-1. That is strictly a team stat because the players in front of him are mostly not good enough. His GAA of 3.01 and save percentage of .907 tell the story of a goalie playing well on a terrible team.
Mrazek knows that this team isn't likely to be a Stanley Cup contender during his time there but he is willing to be a good soldier during the rebuild. It is a very admirable act.
It is possible (likely) that Mrazek won't even be as good for the next two years as he's been this year. However, he will be a veteran goaltender that helps his team feel confident about their game. Who knows, he may surprise some people and be there for a "bubble team" in 2025-26.
Mrazek should be proud of the way that he has played this season. Some contenders would have loved to have him for the stretch run but he played himself into a new contract making good money. The Hawks should be very happy as well.