Just before his arbitration hearing took place Wednesday, Petr Mrazek and the Detroit Red Wings have come to a two-year agreement worth a total of $8MM. Elliotte Friedman tells us that the goaltender will earn $3.85MM in the first season, and $4.15MM in the second.
On Monday we profiled Mrazek’s arbitration case, projecting a two-year contract with an AAV of $4.125MM. This deal obviously comes in just below that, and looks like a win for the Red Wings, who still have to deal with the large contract that Jimmy Howard is still owed. Howard will earn $5.29MM for the next three years, making him an extremely expensive backup if Mrazek has truly taken over in net.
Again, player and team came to an agreement just before the deadline, as it seems no one truly wants to go to arbitration this summer. It can be a somewhat ugly experience for players, as the team needs to point out their flaws in order to get a lower price.
Mrazek will still be a restricted free agent when the deal expires, and at only 26 would be ready to earn top money. Look for the Red Wings to deal Howard and try to work towards a long-term extension with the Czech goaltender next summer.