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Howard signed his current deal after the 12-13 season. In the 4 years prior to the deal howard started an average of 55.75 games with a .918 save%, 2.32GAA and 4SO per year. During the 12-13 season (last before his current deal) the league ave for those categories was .912%, 2.54GAA, 1.3 SO. Howard ranked 9th with a 2.13GAA, 10th with .923%, and 1st with 5 SO. Howard was a top tier starter consistently for multiple years prior to his big money deal. There is no way to know that he would struggle so much with injury and inconsistency as he has in the years since. Yes, it is extremely frustrating but it's easy to sit here and manage the past. Unfortunately, we don't get to see the player's whole career arc before we sign these contracts. Howard was a solid starter for sure and part of the top 1/3 goalies in the league no question and by all accounts had our net situation solved for the next 8 years. His performance last year, while probably not exactly the new norm, is a closer representation of what he is and can be the the injury/inconsistency riddled prior couple years. Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk

Can't exactly blame the guy because his own D-man essentially barreled into him with another player. I agree Jimmy has an injury history, but put yourself in Holland or Blashill's shoes.....they see Jimmy playing amazing, he gets hurt by his own teammate, Mrazek steps in and absolutely stinks up the place. You can see why they would give Jimmy the net back. Now, with that being what it is, I am hoping both play great and we re-sign the younger Mrazek and then trade Howard in the final year of his contract.

I agree. Huge difference maturity wise. And between 25 and 28/29 even moreso

Yeah it would be one thing if our older players regressed and the young guys stepped up (which was my understanding of why Blash was hired, ability to coach the young players) but everyone regressed besides Zberg and maybe Mantha (who had the benefit of playing with Zberg). And Zberg would probably have the same season even if a drunk chimpanzee was coaching him. Playoffs ins't the bar for me, it's forward progress from the guys who will be taking over for the old core. We didn't see that, and in fact we saw mostly the opposite. If we miss the playoffs again but see significant improvements from a mix of Mrazek, Larkin, Mantha, AA, XO, Jensen, Sproul, Sheahan, and possibly even Bertuzzi I will be happy with Blash. Another year of downturns and growing pains will be very disappointing. Though it's hard to imagine it could be much worse.

Chris Illitch ---> Jim Devellano ---> Ken Holland Clearly Holland has been under the control of Devellano's, and therefore Chris Illitch's, "suggestions" this entire time.

Holland moving upstairs will only help if they bring in someone from outside who won't be controlled by Holland's "suggestions."

I think his attitude is the key to working his way out of the hole. What's the old adage "Work beats talent when talent doesn't work" So translate it to "Jimmy beats Petr when Petr doesn't work"

I'd do this in a heartbeat. But not sure Winnipeg would

Howard is rightfully so the starter going into the season, but I wouldn't be at all shocked if Mrazek returns to form and steals the starter role once again. Here's to hoping...

Like I said, this board is starting realize that Mrazek isnt the next coming of Hasek and Howard isnt LOLgarbage. The truth, like with most things, lies somewhere in the middle. That middle is we have 2 very average starting goaltenders. Both with value and problems in their own right.

Too bad Holland is the only one who can't seem to see that

I bet...

I doubt it'll happen but I wish this organization would look outside of itself for the GM role. I feel like everyone else will do it the way Holland does it or damn near close because they worked under him. Turning a bit into an ol' boys club, I'd rather just have a fresh start.

When I think of players with elite vision in setting up players I usually think of Joe Thornton or Sidney Crosby. But this past season Z seriously put himself up there amongst both of them with some of the most ridiculous passes and seeming knack for being 2 steps ahead of the play before it happens. Someone made a dedicated video for this on youtube. Check it out. As a side note, Mantha's wrist shot is crazy good.

That youtube user Awood40 is a fricking godsend to Wings fans. I have many of beers and watched many of videos late into the night bc of that guy and his channel. I owe him a drink for all the cool stuff he uploads.