Detroit Red Wings: 3 potential destinations for Jimmy Howard
By Bob Heyrman
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers have a phenomenal young goaltender in Carter Hart, but adding someone like Howard makes some sense.
The Flyers recently paired their young phenom with veteran Brian Elliott, and the pair stabilized the cage for Philadelphia for the most part. Howard would not be much if any of an upgrade to Elliott, who went 16-7-4 with the Flyers in 2019-20. The record looks impressive, but Elliott posted a save percentage of .899 to go with a 2.87 goals-against average.
Elliott, a 35-year-old goaltender, maybe looking for a larger role elsewhere. A team like Edmonton, Chicago, or Calgary, where Elliott spent one season in the past, possibly willing to pay the pending free agent more than the Flyers are willing to spend on a backup netminder.
Howard, at 36, playing on a much more superior team like the Flyers, will indeed play into his benefit, and he may only cost a mere $1-million. That’s a very affordable price, especially during a 2020-21 season that will see a salary cap freeze.
Teams will be looking for a bargain, and with Howard coming off of a $4-million salary that saw him post just two wins, his agent won’t have much leverage to barter.
Elliott is undoubtedly the safer option, but Howard may excel in a mentor-type role at the backend of his career.