howard really stepped up during the playoff this year, i was personally quite surprised. especially after game 1.
who remembers the save he made with his stick in game 5 or 6 i believe?

That was Mrazek.

I believe Howard would pull value no problem. He's still got good days ahead of him. Sure we might have to eat some salary in the deal or suck up a bad contract but that's nothing a little creativity can't fix.

For instance, eat Dion's salary in the trade (insert player).
Pick up a struggling vet on a decent salary.

I'd have to do some thinking as to who that could be but I think Howard definitely merits value in a trade. Not saying incredible amounts.

Why did Babcock move over to the maple leafs? Toronto offered him May and June off

yeah i was thinking about the post regarding howard as I was typing



how much longer do you think howard can effectively play?

lol
witnessed that 10 rows on the goal line

As an uncontested #1 he could post slightly lower than average but still starter numbers for 2-3 more seasons. With Mrazek challenging I think he's mediocre this coming year. He's a notorious head case and if he thinks he's about to lose his starting job I guarantee his play deteriorates. Love the guy and everything he's done but we're at a changing of the guard. He can't string 3 healthy weeks together because his groin is made of glass.

That said, if he starts out strong and has confidence he could easily backstop for playoffs again. He's always been clutch in post season. Maybe he does that and gets traded to a team that needs a playoff goalie.

feel the EXACT same way
he cant deal with it i dont think it is in his head way to much
idk i dont think howard is that strong mentally

I have a feeling performance and injury limit him to around 30 games max this year. Mrazek will take 50ish with the GR tender taking whatever is left. I need to see Mrazek play 40 games in one season before I'm comfortable trying to shop Jimmy though. At this point my comfort level is much higher having him penciled in to split starts.

He had an incredible start to this year. He came out on fire. I don't see this below average play as the new consistent for him

Now if injury plagues him, fine. But I still think Howard can hold down a number one job like pavelec style maybe (does that count? :p. ). He's better than pavelec