Rumor: Injuries could force Red Wings to make major move

In her latest Mailbag feature for the Detroit Free Press, Detroit Red Wings insider Helene St. James breaks down GM Ken Holland’s trade assets and, in particular, takes a look at the prospects of moving backup goalie Petr Mrazek for a defenseman or some scoring?

According to St. James, Mrazak’s trade value is at an all-time low. After an awful season in 2016-17 and a summer that saw him go unselected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, it’s hard to imagine Mrazaek being traded for anything other than a draft pick. That being said, the young goaltender has a history of stellar play and could turn things around once given a shot this season.

Should that happen and should the Red Wings gain some confidence in AHL starter Jared Coreau, then MAYBE Mrazek could fetch a decent return. Until that happens though, don’t look for the 25-year-old to hit the trade market.

Maybe a scenario opens up if a team loses its starting goaltender to injury and dangles a good offer (realistically, an above-average player or prospect, not a top scorer or top defenseman).

In 50 games last season, Mrazek sported an atrocious 3.04 GAA and .901 Sv%, so far this season he’s looked even worse with a 3.24 GAA in just four games.