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NHL Trade Rumors: Jimmy Howard likely to be traded by Red Wings

By Dave Stevenson

Jan 3, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard (35) watches the face off against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard (35) watches the face off against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard be on the trade block after being unseated by Petr Mrazek?

The Detroit Red Wings came into the 2015-2016 season with a nice problem to have. They had two No. 1 goalies in Petr Mrazek and Jimmy Howard. Detroit figured that one of the two would emerge as the starter. The goalie who the Red Wings were hoping would be the starting goalie (Howard) did not win the starting job.

With Mrazek’s emergence now, could Howard be on the move?

From MLive.com:

"Mrazek, a restricted free agent, will get a sizable raise on his next contract. [The Detroit Red Wings] can’t have a back-up with a $5.3 million cap hit next season, and I’m sure Howard doesn’t want to be a back-up. So the only option is to trade him after the season."

Since Mrazek grabbed the No. 1 goalie job, he will most likely want to be paid like the starting goalie that he is. It’s a small sample size but his numbers compare favorably with other borderline elite goaltenders and many view him as a dark horse Vezina Trophy candidate. Detroit is a team that simply can’t afford to have two high-priced goaltenders. The writing on the wall suggests that Jimmy Howard could be on the move.

It will be difficult to trade Jimmy Howard because he has not been doing well this season in his new role. His .904 save percentage this season is a career low for him and his 2.89 goals against average is the highest of his career. Making matters more difficult is that not too many teams are expected to be looking to add a new starting goalie and that Howard is still under contract until after the 2018-2019 season. Howard carries a $5,291,666 cap hit and the Red Wings will most likely have to retain salary to move him without taking on another horrible contract.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Calgary Flames will both be looking for new goaltenders after this season. With both teams rebuilding, it’s hard to see either team being that interested in acquiring someone like Howard.

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