A few weeks ago, there was about a zero percent chance that Petr Mrazek would return to the Detroit Red Wings next season. No way they were going to make a $4 million qualifying offer to retain the rights to a goaltender who had struggled like Mrazek has since mid-February 2016.
A few starts later, the odds for a Mrazek return are improving. That’s assuming he isn’t traded by the Feb. 26 deadline.
The Red Wings will look to move one of their goaltenders -- Jimmy Howard or Mrazek, whoever garners the better return – but that might not be possible with few playoff-contending clubs seeking help in net.