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Detroit Red Wings: How to start the rebuild

By Patrick Rocca

Apr 9, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; The players skate onto the ice before the game between the Detroit Red Wings and the New Jersey Devils at Joe Louis Arena. This is the last game the Red Wings will play at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; The players skate onto the ice before the game between the Detroit Red Wings and the New Jersey Devils at Joe Louis Arena. This is the last game the Red Wings will play at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) warms up prior to the start of the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Red Wings 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) warms up prior to the start of the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Red Wings 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Find a suitor for Jimmy Howard

Ken Holland shocked most of the hockey world when he protected goaltender Jimmy Howard from the expansion draft. Although he is coming off the greatest season of his career, Howard is going to be 34-years old next season. To make matters worse, his contract has a $5.66 million AAV.

Luckily for Holland, Vegas decided to pass on taking Petr Mrazek. The loss of Tomas Nosek will honestly have little to no impact on the status of the team. On the downside, the Red Wings still have over $9 million in cap tied up between two average starting goaltenders. The Wings must get rid of one of these goalies in order to free up some cap, as well as to gain some assets for the future.

Preferably that goalie would be Howard. We all know he is coming off his best season in a long time, and that is precisely why he should be traded. Howard’s value can only decrease from here. Mrazek is only 25-years old, and has shown flashes of brilliance at times. It would be wise to move forward with him. If he returns to form, then great, the Red Wings have their goalie for the foreseeable future. If he doesn’t then that’s great too, maybe the Wings can get the #1 overall pick next draft.

The goalie market is quickly dwindling however. Holland probably should have made a deal 4 months ago when Calgary and Dallas were still looking for a starter.

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