Report: Red Wings set trade price for Jimmy Howard

Veteran goalie Jimmy Howard is having something of a resurgence with the Detroit Red Wings this season. The 32 year old netminder has a stellar .923 save percentage and a 2.67 goals against average in 22 games with the Red Wings this season, a marked improvement over the .910 save percentage and 2.85 goals against average he put up last season. 

Being that he’s a pending unrestricted free agent and the it seems unlikely the Red Wings will be in the mix for a playoff spot this season, it only makes sense that Howard’s name has surfaced in trade rumors. But according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, anyone looking to acquire Howard ahead of the NHL’s February 25th trade deadline will have to pay a hefty price.

Check out this little tidbit from Friedman’s latest 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet:

Detroit’s made it clear it wants at least a first-round pick for Jimmy Howard.

The point was made during a larger point about the expanding goalie market in the NHL, with Howard clearly standing out as the best available option. Unless, of course, as suggested by Friedman that the Chicago Blackhawks elect to shop Corey Crawford and the Los Angeles Kings put Jonathan Quick on the market. 

Again from Friedman:

The Flyers have made it clear they are looking for a goalie, but aren’t the first team to survey the market and not be thrilled with the options. Anaheim, looking to replace the injured Ryan Miller, claimed Chad Johnson on waivers and traded for Jeff Glass from AHL Toronto. Detroit’s made it clear it wants at least a first-round pick for Jimmy Howard. Craig Anderson’s carried a huge load for Ottawa, facing a ton of rubber without much rest. At least one team indicated it was concerned about acquiring him for that reason. Not convinced Montreal is willing to move Charlie Lindgren. As both Chicago and Los Angeles look to the future, and Cal Petersen (in particular) shows potential, could they be tempted to discuss Corey Crawford and Jonathan Quick?

Both Crawford and Quick have substantial term left on their contracts and they both have injury issues, but it’s hard to imagine that a team like the Philadelphia Flyers won’t be tempted by the two Stanley Cup champions. So… if Howard is worth a 1st round pick, what are Crawford and Quick worth?