NHL Trade Rumors: Pittsburgh Penguins linked to Jimmy Howard

The Pittsburgh Penguins have a goaltending problem. They’re apparently being pro-active in trying to solve it, as the latest NHL trade rumors have linked them to Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been an extremely successful team over the past decade. They have made the postseason each year and have won three Stanley Cups in four Stanley Cup Final appearances. With goaltending being their largest issue, the latest NHL trade rumors have them linked to Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard.

In a recent article from TSN’s Frank Seravalli, he suggests the Penguins could target him as a rental as they try to get their goaltending stabilized.

"The Blues are reportedly sniffing around Detroit’s Jimmy Howard, but they may not be alone. The Pittsburgh Penguins are very much in ‘win now’ mode, are believed to have interest, and, unlike the Blues, the Pens have a first-round pick to dangle."

More from Puck Prose

The Penguins were expecting franchise goaltender Matt Murray to bounce back. If nothing else, they believed between Casey DeSmith and Tristan Jarry, they could put together a tandem that would be good enough to be contenders.

This clearly hasn’t been the case. DeSmith has been great with a .924 save percentage in 15 appearances.

However, Murray’s struggles from last season have carried over to this season, as he has a .877 save percentage.

Seravalli also says the Penguins could be interested in trading Murray. However, this sounds like a longshot at best. Murray has won them two Stanley Cups and they know how good he can be if he’s healthy.

Howard has expressed interest in returning to Detroit. Though a trade would certainly lessen the chances of that happening, it wouldn’t necessarily rule out a return. Howard will be a free agent after this season, so he could always just re-sign with the Red Wings after this season. However, it’s worth noting a whole new front office regime could be in charge by then. That new regime might not value Howard as much as the current one.

Next. Red Wings All-Time Dream Team. dark

From the sounds of it, the Red Wings would like a first-round pick for Howard, who has a .922 save percentage this season in 18 games. And with the St. Louis Blues reportedly interested in him, things could move fast. The Penguins better make sure they get stuck bidding against themselves.

To stay up to date with the latest NHL trade rumors, be sure to check out our Rumors page.

Home/Rumors