Jimmy Howard has spent his entire NHL career in Detroit.
That ride with the Red Wings is all but officially over. Steve Yzerman confirmed he has no plans to offer Howard a contract.
Steve Yzerman on Jimmy Howard: “We are not going to offer him a contract prior to the free agency period, so we will look at the free agency market for a goaltender." pic.twitter.com/4lnKoJwCru
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) October 1, 2020
“I’ve spoken with Jimmy Howard. We are not going to offer him a contract prior to the free agency period, so we will look at the free agency market for a goaltender,” Yzerman said on Thursday.
Steve Yzerman said the Red Wings will not be offering Jimmy Howard a contract before free agency.
“We will be looking for a goaltender in free agency,” he said.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) October 1, 2020
The 36-year-old was Detroit's 2003 second round pick. His 246 wins are third in franchise history, behind Terry Sawchuk and Chris Osgood.
Howard's 2019-20 season was far from his best. He went 2-23-2 with a 4.20 goals-against average and a .882 save percentage.
“Without that window to talk to other free agents, we have to wait until October 9th to really get a good feel to where there’s a fit, the interest of these players and the parameters of contracts,” Yzerman said.
Jonathan Bernier has one year remaining on his contract.
