Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on the trade that saw Detroit send Petr Mrazek to Philadelphia in exchange for a pair of conditional draft picks.
Todd Cordell
This trade makes sense for both parties but I like it more for the Flyers.
With Michal Neuvirth and Brian Elliott sidelined, they were in desperate need of a goaltender to help them stay afloat in a crowded Metro Division and I think Mrazek is a nice pick up for them.
On the surface his numbers aren't great but he ranks 19th among 39 eligible goaltenders (900+ minutes) with a .926 save percentage at 5v5. That slots him ahead of notables such as Braden Holtby, Henrik Lundqvist and Cory Schneider. Mrazek is not that caliber, obviously, but he's certainly not the liability some make him out to be.
As for Detroit, they get no less than a 3rd round pick – barring a disaster where Mrazek fails to pick up five wins – for a player they were going to move on from in a couple months, anyway.
James Tanner
This is a great trade for the Flyers. Mrazek is a good goalie, he's got strong 5v5 numbers playing in front of a bad team and the cost is dirt cheap. This is a huge win for the Flyers, whereas, I don't know why the Red Wings wouldn't just sign him. It's not like they're going to get a better goalie for next year.
One thing I don't get though, is that for the majority of teams, if their starting goalie goes down with an injury their season is basically over. Mrazek is better than 90% of back-up goalies. So if the cost of a player as good as Mrazek is so cheap, I don't see why more teams don't seek out quality 1b. options as insurance.
Furthermore, how do the Hurricanes not outbid the Flyers here? They'd be in first place if they had even a halfway decent goalie.
Anyways, great move for the Flyers.
Peter Tessier
I don't think this deal is so much a win or lose scenario as much as it is simply a smart thing for both teams to do. Mrazek was no longer going to be in the Wings' plans and as an RFA he can have his rights traded after the season.
The Wings did well to unload him and the Flyers did well to only give up conditional assets via picks. If he helps them it's a bonus if not they can likely recover a part of those assets and, here's the bonus the Wings pick up half the remaining salary. Maybe this deal favours the Flyers more but it worked out for both sides all around.
Recent posts
Best fit for Ryan McDonagh??
Which defense rentals should teams avoid at the deadline?
Which forward rentals should teams avoid at the deadline?
Best pairing in the Western Conference?
Best pairing in the Eastern Conference?
Best line in the Western Conference?
Best line in the Eastern Conference?
Join the Discussion:
»