Carolina Hurricanes: Petr Mrazek is a Treasure to Behold

Loved by his teammates and fans alike. Petr Mrazek has seen tremendous success with the Carolina Hurricanes. As time goes on, that love and success is continuing to increase.

Petr Mrazek joined the Carolina Hurricanes in July 2018 when he signed with the team as a free agent after a brief stint with the Philadelphia Flyers. Since then, he has forged a deep relationship with his teammates and fans alike. And shown himself to be a staple of the future of the franchise and Cam Ward‘s successor between the pipes inside PNC Arena.

Petr started off strong in the NHL when he was with the Detroit Red Wings, winning his NHL debut against the St. Louis Blues in 2013 making him at the tome the second goaltender to win his ECHL, AHL, and NHL debuts. Petr continued to enjoy success in Detroit for a while, even some post season success as well.

But after their 25 season playoff appearance streak came to an end with the 2016-2017 season, Petr was traded to Philly during the 2017-2018 season.

After the Flyers were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs in 2018, the Flyers eventually elected not to offer Petr a qualifying contract releasing him into free agency. And in July 2018 he signed with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Petr split the 2018-2019 season with then backup goaltender Curtis McElhinney carrying the Hurricanes to their first post-season appearance in a decade which culminated in a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. Over the course of that season, Petr built a great relationship with his teammates and the hurricanes faithful.

After the conclusion of the 18-19 season Petr entered free agency and was regarded as on of the top free agents that off-season. He had shown himself to be a top tier netminder, not the cast Detroit and Philly cast off that people had labeled him as.

Obviously Petr resigned with the Hurricanes. And this season, minus a few hiccups here and there which is normal for everyone, has continued to show himself to be the guy for the Hurricanes. His connection with the fans is all over the place during any game he is in the net, especially when at home. After he stood tall during the shoot out in the sold out home opener, PNC arena erupted with chants of “PETR! PETR! PETR!”

I  recently spoke with Petr Mrazek super fan, Jenson, @mrazzzledazzzle on Twitter, on why he is her favoirte player.

“Being a Canes fan and seeing the goaltender issue we’d been having for a while, it was refreshing to see a new face, ESPECIALLY one who wanted to work so hard and be at his best like Petr.He came to Raleigh on a mission, going behind his agents back to sign with us, which is what caught my eye the most in the beginning. Watching him play is another story. his passion and fire come through in every game he plays, and I LOVE that in an athlete – there’s just something different about Petr that Carolina needed, and I’m pretty sure anyone who watches him can understand exactly what I mean.Plus, every time I’ve met him he’s been nothing but kind and attentive. he’s exactly what we needed, he’s so well rounded and fits in so well here. I can’t wait to watch how he performs for the rest of the season.”

I can confirm on how he is with the fans. Every time I’ve spoken with him he’s been extremely kind and patient with everyone. Having conversations with everyone and even cracking jokes.

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Jenson went on to say “Plus, he really seems to be so appreciative of the fans, and I love that too.
He has such a great competitive edge, I love watching him when he’s fired up, he can do some INSANE stuff (remember that poke check last season against the Panthers??). He gives me anxiety sometimes but gosh he’s just so good , he’s so entertaining to watch.”

Petr’s connection with his teammates is also very deep as well. We all loved the hats he had made for everyone back in the summer. But on a serious note, when Joe Thornton sucker punched Petr in the throat, every Cane on the ice mobbed Joe for his actions.

After that happened, Tripp Tracey mentioned that the strong relationship Petr has with everyone in the locker room is something that Petr’s predecessor, Scott Darling lacked. It’s also important to note that Petr came back and won the game for the Hurricanes.

Petr is showing that he truly is Hurricanes goalie legend, Cam Ward’s true successor. And one thing that Petr has that Cam didn’t, is a quality backup in James Reimer. If Petr needs some rest or is hurt, he and the team doesn’t have to worry. This could extend Petr’s longevity on the ice since he won’t have to put unnecessary wear and tear on his body.

Question for CC readers: What are your thoughts on Petr Mrazek?