Red Wings Goalie Signs Two-Year Extension

Per Elliotte Freedman, The Detroit Red Wings have signed their number one goalie to a two-year contract extension. The Red Wings organization has also confirmed the signing.

Mrazek has signed a two year deal. $3.85 and $4.15

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 27, 2016

Petr Mrazek and the Red Wings were headed to arbitration this morning but were able to work out a new contract and avoid the hearing. The first year of the deal will see the young goaltender earning $3.85 million, while year two will pay $4.15 million.

Mrazek took over the starting role for the Red Wings during the 2015 playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He carried that starting role throughout much of the 2015-16 season and posted incredible numbers throughout a stretch in early 2016. His outstanding play resulted in leading the league in goals against average and save percentage in early February.

The Detroit Red Wings now have over $9 million in cap space taken up by Mrazek and backup goaltender Jimmy Howard. Howard will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019. Mrazek, on the other hand, will still be a restricted free agent when his extension expires in the summer of 2018.

The signing of Mrazek also puts the Red Wings nearly $5 million over the salary cap. As a result, they will be required to make a move in the near future.