NHL trade rumors: Detroit Red Wings want first rounder for Jimmy Howard
The latest NHL trade rumors have the Detroit Red Wings opening up for business as sellers. Goaltender Jimmy Howard is their top trade piece and his price will be high.
It has been a while since goaltender Jimmy Howard wasn’t on the Detroit Red Wings. He made his NHL debut in 2005-06 and came up for good during the 2009-19 season. Overall, Howard has appeared in 483 regular season games for the Red Wings, in addition to 48 postseason games. However, since he is in the last year of his contract, the latest NHL trade rumors have him on the trading block.
In his latest 31 Thoughts column, Elliotte Friedman discussed the goaltending market. Howard is very much available, but the Red Wings are rightfully setting his price very high. He has been outstanding for the Red Wings this season, posting a .923 save percentage. That’s his best save percentage in a season with at least 30 appearances since the 2012-13 season.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
The Red Wings have every right to ask for a lot for Howard. He’s been great this season and could be a difference maker down the stretch for a variety of contenders. Also, goalies tend to be more prone to injuries than other players, so the Red Wings are a contending team losing a goalie from having a potential bidding war. The sooner they trade Howard, the better their chances are of getting a first-round pick.
Should Detroit elect to trade Howard, Jonathan Bernier will most likely take over as the starting goalie. The Red Wings would also likely call up one of their AHL goaltenders.
Potential Suitors
While the Pittsburgh Penguins have been linked to Howard, they deny any interest. The Philadelphia Flyers need a goaltender and new general manager Chuck Fletcher has shown he’s willing to pay a huge price to acquire a reliable goalie.
Early Trade Deadline Predictions For Each Team. dark. Next
Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames could use an upgrade in net. However, one has to imagine they would want the Red Wings to take back Mike Smith in the trade. Just like Howard, Smith will be a free agent after this season.
For updated NHL trade rumors, be sure to check out our Rumors page.