Detroit Red Wings Nearing Extension With Jimmy Howard
By Tyler Samson
The Detroit Red Wings are working on finalizing a one year, $4 million contract extension with goaltender Jimmy Howard.
After much debate on whether or not goaltender Jimmy Howard would be extended at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season, the debate is finally over. The Detroit Red Wings are about to extend Howard. This deal is reported to be a one year, $4 million contract.
The 34-year-old goaltender has had an All-Star caliber season even though his team has not fared so well this season. In 48 games played (46 started and 19-20-5 record), Howard has posted a 3.05 GAA, .908 save percentage, and has no shutouts.
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When talking to the media about the reported contract extension Howard said, “I love playing for the Wings. My family loves living in Detroit. It’s very special. I’ll turn 35 here in a week and from there on out, I’m playing with one-year contracts.”
Many did not anticipate he would still be a Red Wings after the trade deadline, but he is still here and is going to be for at least another season. It is likely, depending on how the season plays out in 2019-20, that Howard could be trade bait to teams needing goalie depth for the playoffs.
Unfortunately for Wings fans, it looks like the rocky goalie situation with Howard and Bernier will continue into the 2019-20 season. Both of them have been relatively inconsistent, partly to do with the weak defensemen on the Wings blueline, this season and are looking to rebound next year.
Originally drafted 64th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Red Wings, Howard has been relatively solid in all 509 games he has played in throughout his career. In a time of rebuild, it could be good to have a veteran presence that knows what it takes to win in the locker room leading the youth.
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More details on the contract extension are coming in the next couple of days. As for now, it is safe to say the Wings have locked Howard for another season.