Mrazek, who has one additional year on his contract at $4.25 million, heard his name as possible trade bait, but wasn't sure what to expect. While excited about rejoining the Wings, Mrazek does become part of a three-goaltender rotation with Lyon and Cam Talbot.

DETROIT -- Both practicing with the Detroit Red Wings for the first time since being acquired via trade from the Chicago Blackhawks prior to the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, Craig Smith and goalie Petr Mrazek are excited to help their new team push for a Stanley Cup Playoffs spot down the final stretch of the season.

Steve Yzerman and Detroit Red Wings made a trade at the NHL trade deadline, acquiring G Petr Mrázek and F Craig Smith from Chicago for Joe Veleno.

Watching Craig Smith skate with the Red Wings, since being acquired Friday in a trade, coach Todd McLellan hasn't been surprised by anything.

Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith were traded to the Detroit Red Wings by the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday for Joe Veleno.

Petr Mrazek was tabbed to start for the Detroit Red Wings vs the Buffalo Sabres, seven years after he last played for the Wings.

Mrazek was scheduled to get the start for the Wings on Wednesday night, seven years after being dealt to Philadelphia near the trade deadline.

The Blackhawks recently acquired Spencer Knight from the Florida Panthers for defenseman Seth Jones, making Mrázek available. The veteran netminder has over 400 games of experience. This will be his second stint with Detroit. He also played for the Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Petr Mrazek and Craig Smith—took part in their first practice since being traded to the team Friday. Both players were full participants in practice, with Smith slated to fold into the lineup for Monday's game in Ottawa against the Senators.