Report: Leafs among teams interested in UDFA goalie Guzda
Undrafted free-agent goaltender Mack Guzda is generating quite a buzz.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to sign the netminder, and they met with him this week, according to Sportsnet's Jeff Marek. The Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins are also interested in his services, Marek added.
The 21-year-old is currently playing for the OHL's Barrie Colts. Guzda's recorded a .935 save percentage and a 1.89 goals against average in 13 games this season. The Knoxville, Tennessee, native is listed at 6-foot-5, 205 pounds.
Amid Toronto's interest in Guzda, the club is also getting calls about one of its own goalies.
The Maple Leafs have not initiated any conversations about Petr Mrazek's availability, but teams have contacted them anyway, Marek reported. However, Toronto likely wouldn't consider trading Mrazek until the summer, if at all.
Mrazek joined the Leafs as a free agent this past offseason, signing a three-year contract with a $3.8-million cap hit, according to CapFriendly. He's missed most of the 2021-22 campaign due to injuries, though, sporting a .896 save percentage and a 3.20 goals against average in six games.
Jack Campbell has taken the starting job and run with it in Mrazek's absence, posting a .926 save percentage and a 2.26 goals against average in 30 appearances.
Campbell's $1.65-million cap hit expires after this season, and he'll almost certainly require a significant raise. Toronto would likely need to shed cap space - potentially through trading Mrazek - if the organization hopes to re-sign Campbell.
HEADLINES
- Bedard frustrated: 'I could name 100 things' I could do better
- Vladar proud of Flames' success: 'We're a bunch of hungry bastards'
- Knies ruled out for Sunday vs. Utah, no return timeline
- Celebrini unhappy with his shootout performance: 'Letting my team down'
- Maple Leafs sign Alex Nylander to 1-year contract