Misconduct
Howard and Ericsson Signed
There are reports that both Jimmy Howard and Jonathan Ericsson have re-signed with the Red Wings. The team hasn't made an announcement but Malik pointed out a couple signs that it could be true.
The big evidence is the NHLPA's website listing compensation for both players for next season.
For those who didn't follow that link, this leaves Chris Chelios, Aaron Downey, Valtteri Filppula, Mark Hartigan, Logan Koopmans, Darren McCarty and Kyle Quincey unsigned. Chelios supposedly has a deal and Filppula will, either through negotiations or arbitration. Hartigan and Koopmans are likely on their way out. Downey and McCarty have been offered two-way deals. I haven't heard anything about Quincey all summer.
User Comments
Posted by Mathieu_Datsyuk132351 on 7/21/2008 at 1:57 PM
I hope Quincey goes 
I don't remember Koopmans. And I don't believe Hartigan contributed much, so he could go, also.
Posted by YzerFan19 on 7/21/2008 at 2:44 PM
I hope Quincey goes
harsh on Quincey, he's been solid in his call-ups IMO. Since Koopmans isn't even mentioned anymore I assume he's gone and Hartigan is probably looking for a team that might actually use him (Leino and Helm jumped over him in Detroit's depth chart).
Posted by choyer on 7/21/2008 at 2:49 PM
Quincey is solid, I'd say re-sign him to a 2-way deal. Koopmans I haven't heard much about, so he seems expendable. McCarty and Downey must be re-signed if the Wings hope to repeat next year. I'm a strong believer in their playing styles. It's great that Ericsson will be back. If and when Lidstrom retires he will be brought up to the big league. With a little bit more experience I think he could fair well with Detroit.
I think the biggest mystery will be the back up goaltender situation. It's basically now or never for Jimmy Howard. He was supposed to be the next home-grown franchise goalie for Detroit 2 years ago and that never panned out. There's only so much he can do on a mediocre team like Grand Rapids in the AHL. Unless he gets some games in the NHL it will be hard to judge his ability. That being said, it's hard to imagine that he will steal the spot from Ty Conklin. However, since Conklin's signing is only for 1 year, this will give Howard another year of experience under his belt. Hopefully the season after this one will be the year for Howard... Osgood can't play forever.
Posted by YzerFan19 on 7/21/2008 at 2:53 PM
I'm not sure the Wings would sign Quincey to a two-way deal, he'd have to clear waivers to go down and if they don't have room for him, why bother to sign him?
I fully expect a trade to happen by the end of training camp, though, so we'll see what happens. Spots might open up.
As for Howard... The Wings have said they want him to have one more year in the AHL to become an elite AHL goalie before jumping to the NHL. So to a certain extent, this is one last chance, but it's also been planned this way 'cause there's no reason to rush him.
Posted by redwingingit on 7/22/2008 at 8:54 AM
Read in the paper today it's a 3 year deal for Jimmy. Must have made him a good deal to stay in GR 1 more year and a shot at #1 09-10
Posted by choyer on 7/22/2008 at 1:44 PM
Howard won't be the starter in 09-10 unless Osgood's age catches up with him. Chris still has 2 years left on his contract, and unless he pulls a monumental collapse or if Howard evolves into an elite goalie, the starter's role is his.
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