By Jordan Long
The Detroit Red Wings sit at 26-37-10 for a total of 62 points. They have already been eliminated from playoff contention. This will be the 3rd straight year NHL playoff games won’t be in the Motor City. Even with another off season, they decided to re-sign goaltender Jimmy Howard who was rumored to be involved in trade talks at the deadline. The deal is 1-year at $4 million but he can make $5.1 million in playoff bonuses.
Howard is finishing up his 13th NHL season, all with the Red Wings. He has not played well for the Red Wings this year with a record of 19-20-5. Howard’s goals against average is 3.05 which is the highest in his career since he became the Red Wings starting goaltender in 2010.
Howard gives up goals, but at least he is saving most of them. The Red Wings allow the opponents to skate into the offensive zone for scoring chances. The defensemen aren’t hitting the skaters off the puck which equal scoring chances. Luckily for them, Howard is there to prevent the puck from going into the net. His save percentage is an impressive .908.
In his career, the Red Wings can trust Howard between the pipes. In his 13 years in the NHL, his record is notably good at 240-171-68. His goals against average is 2.54 with a save percentage of .914. He guided the Red Wings to 7 playoff appearances
The Red Wings know how valuable Howard is to this team. Sure they could sign a goalie in free agency or the draft but they may not put up the numbers Howard has. They also didn’t want to have him test free agency because teams would be interested in him. The Red Wings needed to keep Howard.
Detroit hopes Howard rebounds in 2020. If he can, the Red Wings might make the playoffs as 1 of the 2 Wild Card teams. If the Red Wings aren’t in a playoff position at next years’ trade deadline, they could deal him and receive something back for him. At least Howard will have another chance to prove to Detroit he is still a #1 goaltender. f
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