Who Is Going to Be the Detroit Red Wings' Backup Goaltender in 2014-15?

The Detroit Red Wings have a skilled starting goaltender in Jimmy Howard and a good backup in Jonas Gustavsson, but they also have a talented youngster who plays for the Grand Rapids Griffins, the team's AHL affiliate. 

Petr Mrazek is a talented young netminder who was drafted 141st overall (fifth round) in the 2010 draft.

He had a solid OHL career during which he compiled a 75-37-10 record with a .919 save percentage. Last season in the AHL, he posted a 23-16-2 record, .916 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against average.

So far in the preseason, Mrazek has looked sharp, and CapGeek.com indicates he only caries a $595,000 salary-cap charge.

At age 22, he is a potential heir to Howard's throne, so is there a chance he could steal the backup job from Gustavsson this season?

Mrazek appeared in nine NHL games in 2013-14, posting a record of 2-4-0 with a .927 save percentage and a 1.74 GAA. He was the backup to Gustavsson at times while Howard was out of the lineup due to injury.

Although he is probably good enough to be an NHL backup, it makes sense to send him to Grand Rapids. There is nothing to be lost by spending another year or two in the minors, and it would be a slap in the face to demote The Monster after his performance for the Wings last season (16-5-4, 2.63 GAA, .907 SV%).

Gustavsson spent three years with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he was never able to fully take hold of the starting job.

He had good size and movement, and for a good while he was compared to a young Henrik Lundqvist because of his success in the SHL.

He never lived up to the hype in Toronto, and although his record was decent, his numbers were pedestrian. He eventually signed as a free agent with the Red Wings, and he's been much better since joining the team.

Here's a quick snapshot of the vast difference between Gustavsson in Toronto and Detroit:

Season	Team	GP	W	L	T/O	GA	SV%	GAA
Career		141	57	52	20	377	0.900	2.91
2009-10	TOR	42	16	15	9	112	0.902	2.87
2010-11	TOR	23	6	13	2	68	0.890	3.29
2011-12	TOR	42	17	17	4	112	0.902	2.92
2012-13	DET	7	2	2	1	17	0.879	2.92
2013-14	DET	27	16	5	4	68	0.907	2.63

The numbers speak for themselves, and it really is remarkable that he's found a way to make himself better. He has lived up to his strengths with Detroit. According to The Hockey News, "'The Monster' has a huge frame that, combined with his butterfly style, really fills up the net. Has great flexibility and athleticism for a big guy."

In addition, he has improved upon his described weaknesses. "Will sometimes go down in the butterfly too quickly. Also needs work on limiting rebounds. Must also improve his stamina. Can look a bit nervous at times," the scouting report reads.

So far, it has been clear that Gustavsson is using his size to his advantage to cover up the net and isn't dropping down as much. This had led to him controlling more pucks, allowing fewer shots to pop off his chest.

This season, The Monster will once again back up Howard, but there's a chance he could play more games.

Howard had some issues with consistency last year, so there is a chance the Red Wings may be quick to turn the keys over to Gustavsson if trouble starts brewing. It wouldn't be a benching of Howard but rather a chance for him to clear his head and regain focus.

Ultimately, the Red Wings have a number of options when it comes to goaltending.

Howard is a quality starting goaltender who is looking to get off to a hot start. Gustavsson is a talented backup who is looking to continue growing as a goaltender.

That leaves Mrazek in the AHL, and he will continue to develop as a goaltender in Grand Rapids. His presence in the minors could enable the Griffins to contend for a Calder Cup, which would be another good experience for the young netminder.

The Red Wings are in good hands in net this year and it could be argued they're in a situation that some other NHL teams would kill for.