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Detroit Red Wings: Jimmy Howard expected to sign one-year extension

By Bob Heyrman

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 14: Jimmy Howard #35 of the Detroit Red Wings follows the play against the Tampa Bay Lightning during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 14, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Tampa defeated Detroit 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 14: Jimmy Howard #35 of the Detroit Red Wings follows the play against the Tampa Bay Lightning during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 14, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Tampa defeated Detroit 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Howard is set to sign a one-year contract extension worth 4-million dollars with the Detroit Red Wings. It’s a good deal for both parties involved.

I want to start off by saying; I did not think Ken Holland had it in him. I mean I really expected a 3-year deal worth about 4-4.5 million per season. Jimmy Howard who turns 35 years old in a week shouldn’t get a long-term deal in Detroit. If he were on a playoff team performing as well as he did for the better part of this season, I’d be convinced a multi-year deal would work. The Detroit Red Wings got this right.

As much as I criticize Holland, we need to give credit where credit is due. He’s locked up Howard for next season and no more at a tradeable price. That once again becomes key. If he plays as well as he did earlier in the season, the Detroit Red Wings would be foolish not to actively try and move Howard.

If and it is a big IF Ken Holland is the GM next season he would be wise not to make the same mistake twice. If a trade is unable to be agreed upon and Howard is performing well, he will likely earn himself another 1-year deal with the club.

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The complete details are yet to be finalized, but I wouldn’t be surprised if part of the agreement is a no-trade clause. I know Holland is famous for them, but in this case, Howard would be wise to request it. Think of it from a players point of view. He just went through all the trade rumors this year. I wouldn’t be shocked if part of the short-term deal was a no-trade/movement attached giving Howard some peace of mind.

Jonathan Bernier is under contract for two more seasons but hasn’t performed nearly as well as expected. The hope was he would push Howard for the starting job. Needless to say, Jim has been relatively comfortable in goal without much pressure behind him. Bernier has been good in spurts especially on the nights where he needs to make 42 or more saves. He must feel like he’s back in Toronto some nights looking at the backs’ of the sweaters playing in front of him, later likely googling who they are.

The Detroit Red Wings don’t have anyone in the minors who is ready to make the leap to the NHL. If the Wings were not prepared to spend money on Sergei Bobrovsky this summer, bringing back, Howard was the right choice. The others are available are of similar talent, and you’d have to pay a bit of a premium to get them to Detroit on the open market.

Next. Athanasiou is going to get paid. dark

Jimmy Howard on the season has a record of 19-20-5 with a 3.05 GAA/0.908 SV. All in all, it is a good, low-risk deal for the Detroit Red Wings. Sources of the expected contract and details from Ansar Khan of Mlive.com.

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