Reactions to Petr Mrazek’s Placement on Unprotected List
By Daniel Garza
The Detroit Red Wings front office decided to put Petr Mrazek on the unprotected list as Jimmy Howard was the chosen goaltender to be protected in the upcoming Expansion Draft.
It was a puzzling decision for many on Sunday as Mrazek was left off the protected list. There was still a level of uncertainty coming into Sunday as to which player would be protected. Just a year ago, the organization was certain Mrazek was the top option in net.
Mrazek finished the 2016-17 season with a .901 save percentage and 3.04 goals against average in 50 appearances. Howard had a .927 save percentage and a 2.10 goals against average and .927 save percentage in 26 appearances.
Howard, with a contract through 2019, is 33 and has less upside than Mrazek. Perhaps, the Red Wings organization is thinking the Las Vegas Golden Knights will not choose the Czech netminder due to his price tag.
Widespread prediction is Vegas going with Marc-Andre Fleury as their no. 1. If so, VGK would not choose $4 M backup in Petr Mrazek.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) June 18, 2017
Other options for a backup include Antti Raanta, Calvin Pickard, and Al Montoya. They certainly will have multiple options at goalie and it will likely be one of the hardest decision Vegas will have to make.
Reactions
Why would Red Wings protect Howard over Mrazek!? I'm confused. Mrazek 8 years younger + Howard has 2yrs remaining at $5.3 million cap hit.
— Mike Sullivan (@MikeSullivan) June 18, 2017
The Red Wings protecting Jimmy Howard over Petr Mrazek is the most intriguing thing to me.
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) June 18, 2017
Disagree with Red Wings' decision not to protect Mrazek from asset standpoint. But this is a red flag to me. Is it a wake-up call for him?
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) June 18, 2017
No Comment From Holland
#RedWings Ken Holland declined to explain his reasoning for protection list (inc. exposing Mrazek), said no side deal in place with Vegas.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) June 18, 2017
Mrazek Leaves?
If Mrazek is selected by the Golden Knights, then Jared Coreau steps up as the immediate backup for the Red Wings.
This was still a bit confusing as it’s hard to see the Golden Knights taking Howard in the Expansion draft. If the Red Wings protected Mrazek, then both goaltenders would have most likely remained on the roster. If the Golden Knights take Mrazek, this will reflect poorly on the front office as they could let go a quality player with lots of upsides despite a poor 2016-17 season.