Rangers to Sign Marek Mazanec

Credit: NHL.com

Rangers to Sign Marek Mazanec

In a move that seems to be intended towards bolstering the Rangers goaltending depth chart, the New York Rangers have listed Marek Mazanec (KHL) on waivers. In order for Mazanec to sign with an NHL team, he must first clear waivers. However, it seems extremely likely that he will clear and sign with the Rangers.

Why He Is Needed

Currently Mazanec seems to be destined for Hartford unless an injury to Lundquist (god forbid) or Pavelec occurred. The depth chart in Hartford currently includes Alexander Georgiev and Chris Nell, both who have underperformed in their duties this year, behind a re-vamped defense that includes multiple prospects who could step in immediately on Broadway. Georgiev has started the majority of games (17) and put up a poor 0.897 save percentage and a 3.29 GAA. Nell has started 9 games and put up a, similarly abysmal, 0.889 save percentage and a 3.46 GAA. While these two stats are not the end all be all when it comes to goaltending, the fact remains that they are not getting the job done.

Professional Career

Enter Mazanec. While Mazanec has not lit the world on fire during his time playing NHL hockey (2.97 GAA and 0.895 save percentage, 31 games) he does bring some stability and has improved his performance in years past. In his two most recent seasons in the AHL (2015-2017) he has posted a 2.45 GAA and 0.912 save percentage and a 2.65 GAA and 0.912 save percentage, respectively. This past season, Mazanec played for Bratislava Slovan (KHL) where he started 23 games (4-15-2) and put up a 3.40 GAA and 0.899 save percentage. While not stellar numbers, they are somewhat better than Georgiev and Nell, and he is on a 2nd to last place team in a more competitive league.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mStNt_CyqDs

Implications

The implications for this roster move are somewhat up in the air at the moment. I do not see either the Rangers or Wolfpack carrying three goalies. This means that someone is moving. Ondrej Pavelec has not been great this season.  However, Mazanec would not be much of an improvement over Pavelec, if at all. More than likely Georgiev or Nell will be the odd man out. More to follow within the next 24 hours.

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