Mrazek eyes a two-year, $10-million deal, Scrivens is heading to Russia, and a former first round pick played a key role in Las Vegas landing an expansion franchise.
Mrazek, Red Wings exchange numbers
The Detroit Red Wings and goaltender Petr Mrazek are set for a July 27, team-elected arbitration hearing. The two sides reportedly have set their numbers, with the 24-year-old netminder eyeing a two-year, $10-million pact.
The team is offering a deal that would see Mrazek check in with a $2.925 million cap hit. For comparison’s sake, that would plop Mrazek between Carolina Hurricanes’ Eddie Lack ($2.75 million) and San Jose Sharks’ Martin Jones ($3 million) in terms of average annual value.
Of course the team and player could come to an agreement ahead of Wednesday’s scheduled hearing.
Mrazek wrestled the Red Wings’ No. 1 goaltender job away from Jimmy Howard and registered a 2.33 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage to go with a 27-16-3 record in 54 appearances.
Murray Craven ‘instrumental’ in Las Vegas landing expansion team
He prefers to stay out of the spotlight, but former NHLer Murray Craven played an integral role in billionaire Bill Foley’s quest to land an NHL franchise in Las Vegas.
“Murray’s a real practical, smart guy,” Foley told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “He’s been instrumental in helping us get the team and he’s going to be instrumental for us in so many areas. He’s overseeing the practice facility. He redesigned the locker room (at T-Mobile). He helped identify George [McPhee] as our general manager. He’s a friend and a very important part of everything we’re doing.”
Craven, who played 18 seasons in the NHL, has been a part of Foley’s effort since the beginning. The two met playing golf, although Craven was unaware of Foley’s status.
“I had no idea he was a billionaire,” Craven said. “One day, we were driving around and I suggested we get something to eat. He pulled into a Carl’s Jr. and he said, ‘I used to own that.’ He’s just a fascinating guy.
To Russia with glove
Ben Scrivens was one of four goaltenders who earned playing time between the pipes for the Montreal Canadiens in the absence of Carey Price in 2015-16. The 29-year-old will be taking his talents to Dynamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League for the 2016-17 season.
Scrivens appeared in 15 games with the Canadiens last season. He finished with a 3.07 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage.
