Pavel Francouz

Lore & Background

Francouz developed through the junior ranks of HC Plzeň, posting a sub-2.00 GAA with the under-18 team and leading the under-20 league with 25 wins. He made his professional debut in the Czech Extraliga during the 2008–09 season and later moved to HC Litvínov, where he became the league's Best Goaltender and led the team to a championship in 2014–15, earning MVP honors for both the regular season and playoffs. He then spent three seasons in the KHL with Traktor Chelyabinsk, leading the league in save percentage twice and being selected to the 2017 All-Star Game.

Francouz signed with the Colorado Avalanche in 2018 and began his North American career in the AHL with the Colorado Eagles, where he was named to the 2019 AHL All-Star Classic. He made his NHL debut in relief on 22 December 2018 and recorded his first win in his first NHL start on 12 October 2019. After injuries to starter Philipp Grubauer, Francouz posted a 9–0–1 record over 12 games and recorded his first NHL shutout on 21 February 2020. He made his postseason debut in the 2020 playoffs, becoming the first goaltender in franchise history to record a shutout in his first start.

Injuries limited Francouz's playing time over the following seasons, including double-knee surgery and double-hip surgery in 2021, and an ankle injury in 2021–22. He returned to help the Avalanche during the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, stepping in after an eye injury to starter Darcy Kuemper and recording a shutout in the Western Conference Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. He remained with the Avalanche through the 2023–24 season but did not play due to a groin injury, and announced his retirement on 19 April 2024. He was later hired as a goaltending scout based in Europe.

Reader's Guide

Pavel Francouz's career is notable for his journey from the Czech junior leagues to winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. He established himself as the top goaltender in the Czech Extraliga, winning MVP honors and leading HC Litvínov to a championship before moving to the KHL, where he led the league in save percentage twice. His transition to North American hockey was marked by quick adaptation to the smaller rink, earning him a starting role in the AHL and eventually a backup position with the Avalanche.

Francouz's most significant contributions came during the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, when he stepped in for an injured Darcy Kuemper and helped the Avalanche sweep the Nashville Predators in the first round. He recorded a shutout in the Western Conference Finals and remained in net for the remainder of the series, helping Colorado reach the Stanley Cup Final. His ability to perform under pressure despite a history of injuries—including double-knee surgery, double-hip surgery, and a groin injury—demonstrated his resilience.

After retiring due to persistent health issues, Francouz remained with the Avalanche organization as a goaltending scout based in Europe, having helped prepare the team's goaltending draft list during his final season injured under contract. His career serves as an example of a European goaltender who successfully adapted to the NHL and contributed to a championship team.

Did You Know?

• Francouz led the Czech Extraliga in most statistical categories during the 2014–15 season and earned MVP honors for both the regular season and playoffs.
• He led the KHL in save percentage for two consecutive seasons (2016–17 and 2017–18) while playing for Traktor Chelyabinsk.
• Francouz became the first Avalanche goaltender since Vitali Kolesnik in 2005 to record his first win in his first NHL start.
• He recorded his first career postseason shutout in the 2022 Western Conference Finals against the Edmonton Oilers.