Chicago Blackhawks announce Petr Mrazek will enter the injured reserve

The Chicago Blackhawks announced Sunday that goaltender Petr Mrazek would be entering the injured reserve.

Mrazek was hurt in the second period of his team’s 4-3 OT win over the Detroit Red Wings Friday night. The injury didn’t sound too severe but Blackhawks’ head coach Luke Richardson didn’t want to take any chances, “Early in the season and, the solid goalie that he is, we took the precaution. I just talked to the trainers and the doctor, and I think he’ll have to take tonight to see how it is. We’ll make the call and see how he progresses.”

Mrazek had played three games so far this season, posting a 1-1-0 record and a 3.76 GAA and .873 SV%. He is working to repair his stock around the NHL as a dependable goalie. His reputation took a hit last year when he struggled with consistency while playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

After a tough 2021-22 season the Maple Leafs decided to pull the plug on him just one year into his three-year $11.4 million contract. He was originally signed as a potential replacement for outgoing goalie Frederik Andersen. He didn’t live up to his expectations and it cost the Maple Leafs to move down 13 spots in the 2022 draft to move him to Chicago.

The 30-year-old goalie is looking for a fresh start on the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks but this injury is another impediment to his goal of getting back to form. While Mrazek is out with his groin strain, Alex Stalock will be the starting goalie in his place.

In his career spanning a decade, Mrazek has played in 298 NHL games with a record of 141-103-31. His stats are solid with a 2.65 GAA and .909 SV%. It is ironic that this injury came against the team that he played some of his best hockey for from 2012-2018.