Detroit Red Wings’ Howard a popular commodity…
Adam Gretz of NBC Sports: Another trade deadline means another chance that Jimmy Howard gets traded. Howard is approaching 35 and the tail end of his career. H’e is putting up excellent numbers – a .916 save percentage and a .930 even strength save percentage. However, Howard playing when Detroit contends again is not likely.
Teams which might inquire about Howard could include the San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Colorado Avalanche.
Colorado presents as an intriguing destination because of history and the Avalanche are slumping. Goaltending remains their biggest issue. Furthermore, Colorado has picks and prospects to facilitate a deal.
The Detroit Red Wings’ trade deadline primer…
Max Bultman of The Athletic: For a selling team like Detroit, it becomes all about acquiring as many prospects as possible. Ken Holland gauged the pending free agent market below…
“Now, if you’re thinking of retaining them, and as we work our way somebody out there has a real interest in them and they’re prepared to pay a price, then we’ll go that direction,” he said then. “So the market’s going to dictate a little bit what we’re thinking.”
Detroit will unload nearly $20 million off their cap burden this summer. Do they go after a big free agent or stay the course to pay their youth? The next couple of weeks play a big role in the direction they will go.
Jimmy Howard remains their most attractive commodity with Nick Jensen on the radar of some teams.
Gustav Nyquist is on a hot streak which should attract increasing interest.
Oliver Kylington and Julius Honka present as targets if Detroit goes the prospect route in trades.
Do not trade these three players…
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Again, Jimmy Howard comes to the forefront. If a first-round pick is not dangled, Detroit should focus on re-signing the goalie.
The Detroit Red Wings trying to hold on to defensive stalwart Nick Jensen may be wise as well. Jensen is a find among finds this year.
Finally, there is Luke Glendening who will command some value. However, the Detroit Red Wings need reasonable contracts and leaders. Glendening checks off both boxes there.
