Breaking: Howard signs extension with Wings!

The Detroit Red Wings and pending free agent goalie Jimmy Howard have reportedly agreed on a contract extension. According to Sportsnet's John Shannon, the deal is a one-year contract worth $4 million. The deal also includes playoff bonuses. 

The deal does not include any trade protection. 

When asked about the potential extension when both sides were still negotiating on Tuesday, Howard made it clear that he wanted to retire as a Red Wing. 

“It means a lot,” Howard said to the Detroit News. “I love playing for the Wings. My family loves living in Detroit. It’s very special.”

It was expected, even for Howard, to get a one-year contract at this point in his career. 

“I’ll turn 35 here in a week and from there on out, I’m playing with one-year contracts,” Howard said. 

The Red Wings will have one more year to focus on the future in between the pipes in Hockey Town. The Wings don’t have a goalie prospect ready in the franchise, however they could always count on Howard, especially in the past three campaigns. 

From the 2016-17 season through 2017-18 season, Howard registered a .915 save percentage and 2.63 goals against average. He has been one of the Wings’ best players this season, better than his .907 save percentage and 3.07 goals-against average through 47 games reflect.

Good to know he is staying another year!