Jimmy Howard May Be Forced Into Retirement

The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly not interested in resigning longtime goaltender, Jimmy Howard. He is an unrestricted UFA after fourteen years as a member of the organization. After having an abysmal season, the real question is whether any team is willing to sign him.

Howard did not have an NHL caliber team in front of him. However, he must still carry a significant portion of the blame as he recorded 4.20 goals against average and a 0.822 save percentage. His most recent contract provided an annual cap hit of $5.3 million, but at age 36, he will certainly not be signing a big ticket deal.
His age may prevent him from obtaining a big ticket contract, but his poor play and unreliability may prevent him from inking a league minimum contract. He is not yet ready to retire and certainly does not want to end his career on such a low note.

"Someone is going to tell me I can't play anymore,"

It is uncertain whether or not Howard will still be an NHL goaltender next season or if he will be forced to retire from the game without a contract offer.

Photographer: Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire