NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Goalie Linked to Chicago Blackhawks

According to The Athletic's Jonas Siegel and Scott Powers, Toronto Maple Leafs netminder Petr Mrazek is emerging as a prime trade candidate for the Chicago Blackhawks. The veteran goalie is someone who Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas could ship out of town for basically nothing in a move that would free up $3.8 million in each of the next two seasons.

The Blackhawks currently don't have an NHL goalie signed for next season and even though they are in full rebuild mode, the 30-year-old Mrazek could be the perfect fit with his veteran presence. Dubas is trying hard to re-sign all-star starter Jack Campbell and so far the early implications are the contract negotiations are not going well. Moving on from Mrazek's money is a top priority for the Leafs and has been for months as they tried to move the oft-injured tender at the trade deadline. Even if Campbell doesn't return, Dubas needs the resources to obtain a #1 for his crease next season.

As for Mrazek, he was even put on waivers last season as he battled to stay on the ice. He ended up appearing in 20 games in 2021-22, recording a 3.34 GAA and a .888 Sv.%. This coming after a season in Carolina where Mrazek put up unreal numbers with a 2.06 GAA and a ..923 Sv.%. What difference a year can make.

Toronto and Chicago almost completed a deal for Brandon Hagel and Marc-Andre Fleury in-season however talks broke off and were eventually leaked by Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson. Word is they have smoothed over their relationship privately and are open to doing business together as early as this offseason.