On the Detroit Red Wings …
Ansar Khan of MLive: (mailbg) Petr Mrazek has struggled lately. He’s only 24-years old, it’s a valid concern that he may not be ready to handle a heavy workload at the NHL level just yet.
Khan had expected the Red Wings to re-sign Mrazek to a deal in the four to five year range at more than $4 million a season, and attempt to trade Jimmy Howard. His struggles may mean now that they may look at a two-year bridge contract at less money and keep Howard.
Howard has three years left at a $5.3 million cap hit, and would have been difficult to trade. They would likely have to retain salary in any Howard trade.
Greg Krupa of the Detroit News: With Jimmy Howard set to make $5.3 million next year, and after potentially re-signing Petr Mrazek, the Red Wings could have a goalie tandem close to $10 million next season.
If there is an expansion draft next year, it could help remove one of their goalies.
GM Ken Holland could make some changes this offseason. Howard seemed like the most likely candidate, but Mrazek could have more value. If they trade a goalie, what they get in return could determine who is moved.
On Ben Scrivens …
Eric Engels of Sportsnet: Ben Scrivens has accepted his demotion by the Montreal Canadiens to the AHL and understands why. He’ll be a free agent after the season as his $2.3 million a year contract will expire. On what is next for him.
“I can’t control what other teams are going to offer me or not offer me,” said Scrivens. “I’ve had an extremely successful NHL career, in my opinion. I enjoyed playing every second in this league and it’s been a pleasure and an honour to pull on a sweater every night. Obviously, I hope I get that opportunity again. I think I can play at this level. I think that every player out there — all they ask for is a chance and I don’t know that I’m different than anybody else in that respect.
“It’ll be a decision that Jen and I make together about what we’re going to do in the future and where we’re going to end up. But obviously hockey is a possibility and a probability — it’s just a matter of when and where.”