One division rival who may be willing to take a gamble on Mrazek
As many Leaf fans are aware, the Petr Mrazek era here in Toronto did not exactly work out. Last off-season, Mrazek signed a three-year contract with the Maple Leafs worth $11.4 million ($3.8 million AAV). After a disastrous season (20 games played, 0.888% save percentage, three stints on the long term injured reserve and clearing waivers once) the Leafs will no doubt be looking to move on from the Czech goaltender. Chances are, they will need to include an asset such as a prospect or a draft pick to move his contract. With so many teams close to the cap ceiling for next season, the list of potential trade partners is limited. However, no team has more cap flexibility than the Buffalo Sabres, who have over $43 million in cap space for next year.
The Sabres had the sixth worst team save percentage (0.894%) in the entire league last season. They largely relied upon the goaltending duo of AHL journeymen Dustin Tokarski (29 games played, 0.899% save percentage) and 40-year-old Craig Anderson (31 games played, 0.897% save percentage). Given the fact that both struggled and neither are signed into next season, Buffalo may be in the market to add a goaltender. With the most cap space in the league and a history of struggling to attract top free agents, perhaps they look at acquiring someone at the position via trade.
Additionally, the team is still rebuilding. If they could acquire a prospect to help expedite the rebuild, and take on the veteran goaltender who has had past success in the NHL, perhaps they consider it. The one bright spot in the Buffalo goal last season was 2017 second round draft pick Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The 23-year-old posted a save percentage of 0.917% in nine games played last year. It feels likely that the Sabres decide to give the youngster more NHL playing time next season. Usually, as teams transition to a young goaltender, they like to insolate them with a veteran presence.
Perhaps they use some of their cap space on Petr Mrazek, betting he can return to the goalie who posted a combined 0.911% save percentage in 92 games over the three seasons prior to last year, while simultaneously acquiring a young player or draft pick.
One thing that will make Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas' job even harder is Mrazek has a modified no trade clause in his contract, in which the player has a 10-team no trade list. However, after his horrendous season, it is likely Mrazek wants a fresh start outside of Toronto. If the Leafs can find a trade partner that will give him a chance in an NHL net, he may be wise to take it.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 7 | 564 ANSWERS One division rival who may be willing to take a gamble on Mrazek Where will Mrazek play hockey next season? | ||
| Toronto | 42 | 7.4 % |
| Another NHL City | 351 | 62.2 % |
| Overseas or in the AHL | 171 | 30.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
