Unceasing health problems of Pavel Francouz ruined his career without exaggeration. Even so, he left behind an impressive legacy, including winning the Stanley Cup. Will he add more? The Colorado boss indicated that quite possibly not.
Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland provided an update on the status of injured goaltender Pavel Francouz.
MacFarland said the goaltender’s situation could lead to retirement due to the nature of his injury. He added that there are no plans for the Frenchman to increase his efforts to return to the NHL.
“He’s enjoying his retirement,” MacFarland said, using an English word retirement. “It’s a bit of an exaggeration, but we really don’t get the impression that he’s trying to get fit and looking forward to a return. The injury was unfortunate and at the wrong time. But at the moment he is at home and enjoying life.’
The Frenchman was ruled out of the game this season due to a groin injury, and already in November 2023 it was clear that he would not catch on in the current year. He then returned to the Czech Republic to visit his family, which led to speculation about the seriousness of his injury.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper hasn’t actually played since April 9, 2023, and has started just 16 games in the 2022/23 season, recording an 8-7-1 record with an average of 2.61 goals per game and a save percentage of 91.5%. He was a key part of the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup run in 2022, especially in the Western Conference Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. The French recorded a record of 6-0.
If this is the end for the Frenchman, he will be left with a big hole in the Avalanche that he will have to fill both on the ice and in the locker room.
In addition to being a fan favorite, French has repeatedly indicated a desire to remain with the Avalanche at below-market value, signing a two-year, $4 million contract extension in 2022. The Avalanche will be hard-pressed to find a similar player on the free agent market this summer.
“He deserves a rest. Great couple, perfect personality. Get well and be well Frankie, thank you,” reads a discussion thread next to one of the articles.
As you can see, the Frenchman was really popular. “Legend. Hero. Gentleman. Forever ours, forever in our hearts,” read another comment, followed by “I don’t think there are many players who have played so few games and left such a lasting positive impression.”
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