With the Red Wings officially eliminated from the post-season, the onus is now on management to make this team’s future as bright as possible. That starts with Ken Holland wheeling and dealing beginning April 10th, moving anything with short term value for assets with long term value. One of those assets moved needs to be Jimmy Howard.
Why Move Howard?
With no certainty in the Expansion Draft, the Wings could possibly lose a valuable player for nothing if Mrazek is protected (and despite some abysmal stats this year, I still think he should be). Howard will be ready to retire, or at least will be declining, when this team is ready to compete again in what will probably be several seasons - and that's on the best timeline.