Newest acquisitions by the Detroit Red Wings break their silence of playing in Chicago
Photo credit: NHL
Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek is back for a 2nd stint with the club he began his NHL career with, while Craig Smith will join the bottom-6 of the forward units.
The Detroit Red Wings made a deal with the former divisional foe Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, acquiring forward Craig Smith and goaltender Petr Mrazek in exchange for underachieving former 1st round pick forward Joe Veleno.
Mrazek re-joins the Red Wings after having played for them from 2013 to 2018 when he was traded at the 2018 Deadline to the Philadelphia Flyers; he's since played for the Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Blackhawks.
He's looking forward to the heat of the playoff race in his 2nd stint with the Red Wings as he explained after his 1st practice since being re-acquired.
It's always exciting, the spot we're in right now, the last 20 games are the most exciting part of the season. Just trying to get into the playoffs and going from that situation (being out of the playoff picture) to being close to playoffs, making it, it's an exciting moment.
Additionally, it helps Mrazek coming to a location he's already very familiar with.
You never know in this league but I'm real happy I'm back. This is where it all started, so I'm excited.
Meanwhile, Smith provides needed additional depth in the wake of Andrew Copp's season-ending injury along with the loss of Christian Fischer to the waiver wire.
You never really know what is going to happen (trade deadline) day; you're kind of ready for anything. I was kind of laying down for a nice nap and got the phone call. I was grateful it was this organization, and I'm really happy to be here.
It was a quick drive to come over here (from Chicago), so that was nice.
It was a quick drive to come over here (from Chicago), so that was nice.
Mrazek's numbers this year on the struggling Blackhawks aren't ideal, as he went 10-19-2 with a 3.46 GAA and a .890 SV%. Meanwhile, Smith has 16 points (9G, 7A) in 40 games.
| POLL | ||
MARS 9 | 266 ANSWERS Newest acquisitions by the Detroit Red Wings break their silence of playing in Chicago Will the acquisitions of Craig Smith and Petr Mrazek help the Red Wings secure a playoff spot? | ||
| Yes | 61 | 22.9 % |
| No | 205 | 77.1 % |
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