Detroit Red Wings: 3 potential destinations for Jimmy Howard

Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks, similar to the Detroit Red Wings, are heading into a rebuild. Still, with John Gibson only having played 60 games once in his career, the organization may elect to replace one veteran backup netminder with another next season.

For the past three seasons, the Ducks have used the veteran and former superstar, Ryan Miller, as their backup to Gibson.  Miller started 19 games last season and appeared in 23 total contests recording a 9-6-4 record to go with a 3.10 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage.  Both better than Howard, but it seems like an extreme drop off.

Howard should be able to post Miller-type numbers, and if the Ducks decide to cut-tyes with the 40-year old but still seek a cheap veteran to play 15-20 games, Howard can perform in that role.  The Ducks may also choose to promote their AHL goaltender in Anthony Stolarz, who excelled last year but is on a one-way deal.  Stolarz is entering the final year of his contract that costs $750,000, which seems like the most logical option.

But if the Ducks decide they’d prefer a veteran, and already spending $6.4-million per season on Gibson, Howard will be serviceable and much more proven than Stolarz at nearly the same price.  The Ducks are not looking for their next star goaltender; they have their franchise player in place; the organization is just looking for a stable backup.