Pavel Francouz of the Colorado Avalanche had among their most effective personal days for any goaltender on Friday, signing a big expansion and earning a large shutout for his team. For the time being , he’s his team but the Avalanche might be on the lookout for aid in net.
Francouz Inks Extension
Francouz’s day. The Avalanche announced they had signed up their first hand backup. While the terms of the contract weren’t officially revealed, Ryan S. Clark of The Athletic reported the contract carried out a two million dollar salary cap hit. Pierre LeBrun afterwards added that Francouz will earn $2.3 million in year one and $1.7 million annually two.
Pavel Francouz, Colorado Avalanche (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
The Avalanche brought Francouz — that was undrafted in the NHL — over in the 2018-19 year, after a successful career in the Czech Republic along with the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). After a solid performance in 49 games with the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL) that year, the Avalanche brought him back. When Semyon Varlamov combined the New York Islanders which offseason, they announced that Francouz would turn into the NHL backup goaltender.
To say he has performed in the role is an understatement. In 25 games this year, Francouz is 15-5-3 with a .926 save percentage (SV%) along with a 2.33 goals-against average (GAA). He has been powerful enough when starter Philipp Grubauer endured an accident during the Stadium Series match against the Los Angeles Kings, general manager Joe Sakic didn’t have to panic to discover a replacement. He did, but reward his goalie with an expansion, and he shared his ideas about the occasion together with NHL.com:
We are eager to own Pavel under contract for another two seasons. Especially when we wanted it , he has been an significant part our staff this year and has performed well. He’s a hard-working specialist and has earned his chance at the NHL.
Avalanche manager Joe Sakic about extending his backup goalie
Francouz, 29, will be with the Avalanche through the 2021-22 year old. Meaning that he therefore the longest-controlled goalie in the organization, since Grubauer’s charge will come due. When the Avalanche would let the goalie walk to keep Francouz as a rookie remains to be seen, though fortunately, Sakic has more than a year to make that decision. They also have high goalie potential Justus Annunen on the manner in the long run.
Francouz Perfect at Avalanche Shutout
Francouz’s perform wasn’t completed for the afternoon, however, as he’d be the starter at Grubauer’s lack as his staff took to the Anaheim Ducks at the Pepsi Center on Friday night. The Ducks were down a man, having exchanged Ondrej Kase to the Boston Bruins earlier in the afternoon. Francouz built on the momentum of signing his contract expansion by recording the shutout of the NHL career.
Pavel Francouz captured the first shutout of his NHL career that will help the @Avalanche (35-18-7, 77 points) proceed beyond Dallas for second place at the Western Conference standings. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/2sDT2vuo8e
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 22, 2020
It wasn’t the hardest evening of his career, but he had to make 26 saves, including five to the Ducks’ two power plays. Defenseman Hampus Lindholm and forward Rickard Rakell — both of whom have been mentioned in trade rumors however are not likely to move before Monday’s deadline — led the team with five and five shots. Francouz explained the importance of the first shutout after the match in humble style:
It seems good, obviously. We were close for a shutout final game. We were two minutes short, but I was really happy that we ended. We had been playing like one unit in front of me and the guys blocked a lot of shots.
Pavel Francouz on his first shutout
The Ducks handled eight large danger chances and 1.65 expected targets (xG) in the match, which aren’t numbers that are amazing. However, there is a shutout a shutout, and no one forgets their first. Francouz’s Friday was one to remember. However, the Avalanche might have more work to do in net.
Avalanche Still Looking for Backup
The Avalanche seem to be in enormous hands with Francouz in the helm for the time being. But that doesn’t imply they won’t seem to acquire a goalie before Monday’s trade deadline with Grubauer still anticipated to miss time. In fact, Adrian Dater of ColoradoHockeyNow.com reports that Sakic is in the market for exactly that.
Avs still looking around for a goalie, since Grubauer still gont be shelved somewhat and they don't want to run Francouz into the floor. I expect it to be a veteran within an deal
— Adrian Dater (@adater) February 22, 2020
Loads of goaltenders match that description, however certain sense might be made by a select few. The Chicago Blackhawks could seem to move either Corey Crawford or even Robin Lehner. Brian MacLellan has stated he won’t trade Braden Holtby, however Jimmy Howard (Detroit Red Wings), Craig Anderson (Ottawa Senators), also Aaron Dell (San Jose Sharks) could probably be obtained. They may also be on the lookout for a cheaper alternative, like Louis Domingue, whom the New Jersey Devils placed on waivers on Friday.
Whatever class Sakic chooses in the short term, the question may become who will start in the playoffs for them. Together with Francouz playing will they really choose to return to Grubauer, even when he is after returning from harm rusty? And would the new goalie variable in, in the end? These are problems for head coach Jared Bednar to have, but they’ll be challenging decisions .
Catch up on the NHL Goalie News
The article THW’s Goalie News: Francouz’s Extension, Shutout, Avs Search appeared on The Hockey Writers.
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