For those actively following the Avs, this is not breaking news, but despite this delayed post, it is still worth noting. Avalanche netminder Pavel Francouz, who has not played all season due to a lower-body injury, has returned home to the Czech Republic and will miss the rest of the year. At 33, this is the last year of his contract with the Avs, and if he does return to the NHL, it likely won’t be in burgundy and blue.
Throughout franchise history, the pipes have been guarded by greats like Roy, Varlamov, and Grubauer, and with the big names, it can be easy to overlook their backups. To me, goaltending is the most terrifying position in the game; I flinch when someone throws a Nerf ball in my direction. For goalies, there are times when nothing is between them and a frozen puck flying at 90 mph towards their heads. Combine that intensity with sitting on the bench and being ready to jump into the game at a moment's notice, where one tiny mistake could win or lose the game. Backup goaltenders deserve more praise. Aebischer, Budaj, and Billington all rank among the leading #2s, but for this Avs fan, Pavel Francouz will always rank as my #1.
Frankie signed with the Avs in 2018-19, playing in 73 games and recording 44 wins. Since coming to Colorado, he has had his share of injuries, including double hip surgery in 2021. He underwent an adductor surgery in the off-season that he has not fully recovered from. If you essentially do the splits for a living, it is bound to have an impact on the body eventually. However, during his tenure in Colorado, he is undoubtedly remembered for his 6-0 record in the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Starting in Round 1, Frankie skated onto the ice in Game 3 vs. the Nashville Predators after then Pred Ryan Johansen’s stick somehow found its way into the mask of goaltender Darcy Keumper. Frankie closed out Game 3, and with Keumper out the following game, he won 5-3, advancing the Avs to the second round.
Keumper returned to play the entirety of the second round; however, he left in the first game of the Western Conference Finals due to an “upper-body” injury and would not play the entire round. After the wild 8-6 win against Edmonton in Game 1, Frankie took control of the series by denying Edmonton’s McDavid and Draisaitl a single goal. Hearing the chant “Frank-ie! Frank-ie! Frank-ie!” echoing throughout Ball Arena is one that won’t be forgotten. Francouz went on to win the series in a four-game sweep, and with Keumper’s return during the Final, Francouz maintained a perfect 6-0 record in the playoffs.
Without a doubt, Frankie’s calm under pressure when the steaks were the highest was a huge factor in the Avs’ Championship win. As Coach Bednar said, “We never would have won without him.”
Knowing that Frankie would be out for the start of the season, the Avs claimed Ivan Prosvetov off waivers from Arizona, and with Frankie’s return home, Prosvetov, at 24 years old, will likely be our continued backup for Georgiev. He is 2-2-1 in net with the Avs and has looked solid between the pipes. However, it is with heavy hearts that we wish Frankie all the best in his recovery and that he can return to the league. No matter where his journey leads him, he is always a champion to us. We love you, Frankie.