New York Rangers: Stash or trash Marek Mazanec

Signed by the New York Rangers for organizational depth, goaltender Marek Mazanec never sniffed a minute of NHL time on the ice or on the bench. How should the organization handle the minor league goalie?

Season in Review

The New York Rangers made a relatively unheralded signing on December 6th, 2017 to shore up their minor league goaltending depth. The signing left many wondering who he was, as the Czech national was fairly unknown, unless you follow the Nashville Predators.

The former Nashville farmhand was plying his trade in Slovakia for the KHL’s Sloven Bratislava when he got the call from the Rangers.

The Hartford Wolfpack were suffering from another season of poor goaltending owning a 7-12-3-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) record at the time of his signing.

Alexandar Georgiev had been struggling as the starter in Hartford but also was the organization’s third string goalie. When he was recalled to New York on December 5th, the Rangers brought in Mazanec.

Mazanec righted the ship somewhat for the Wolfpack, splitting crease duties with Georgiev before Alexandar ultimately seized the starter’s job. When Georgiev was again recalled to New York following Ondrej Pavelec’s injury, Mazanec mainly backed up Chris Nell until Georgiev’s return. Unfortunately, the Wolfpack were unable to secure a playoff berth.

Stats and Info

Age Entering Next Season: 27

Seasons With NYR: 1 year

Previous Cap Hit: $650,000

The following is all with the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack:

Games Played: 20

Win-Loss Record: 11-6-1

GAA: 2.97

Save Percentage: 0.905

Projected Contract

1 year $650,000

What SHOULD Happen

Mazanec primarily served as a backup at the AHL level and was unable to establish himself as a starter. However, when he was signed that was to be expected.

Given that he signed a one-year deal for close to league minimum, and was underwhelming in Hartford, the Rangers should let him walk in free agency. The organization’s handling of him, such as prioritizing seeing what they had in the younger Chris Nell, indicates that they don’t view Mazanec as important to their future plans.

Mazanec likely is what he is at this point, being 27 going into next season. Although he didn’t play in the NHL this season, his numbers were underwhelming during his time with the Nashville Predators. In 31 games spread over three seasons, he had a 8-13-4 record with a 0.895 save percentage and a 2.98 goals against average.

Georgiev entrenched himself as the starter for most of the season in Hartford. More importantly, he proved that he can succeed at the NHL level. Therefore, he is the presumptive backup for the Rangers next season.

Every year there are plenty of goaltending free agents, both veteran and undrafted that, can and will be signed by NHL teams. The New York Rangers have had recent success in acquiring undrafted free agent goaltenders such as Georgiev and Cam Talbot.

The Rangers could keep Mazanec as a veteran minor league backup, much as he was this season. However, I think the organization would be better served by taking a chance on someone new.

What WILL Happen

This is tricky to predict because the Rangers could re-sign him or not, with little negative consequences. If they let him walk, I don’t think the Rangers will come to regret it.

They could also easily re-sign him at or near the same deal they gave him last season to be the backup or starter in Hartford. Assuming Georgiev is indeed the backup in New York, the goaltending depth in Hartford is dreadfully thin.

If he doesn’t pan out, they can demote him. Or, more likely, agree to a mutual termination so that Mazanec can return to Europe. If he does turn his game around, they are only committed to him for one season anyways.

However, minor league goaltenders are not difficult nor expensive to acquire. I’m thinking that if the team finds another under the radar prospect with potential, like Talbot or Georgiev, the will sign them instead. Then, the hope would be that the new acquisition takes the reins in Hartford.

Teams to Watch

Just as the Rangers might pick up any minor league goalie to fill the vacancy left by Georgiev, numerous other teams will have positions to fill.

Next: New York Rangers: Patience is imperative going forward

However, I don’t think that Mazanec moves the needle much for many NHL teams. After all, he started last season in the KHL before being picked up by the Rangers. I think it is equally as likely that Mazanec is signed to an AHL deal as he is to return to Europe.

(Stats courtesy of Hockey-Reference, EliteProspects and TheAHL.com)

Home/Analysis