Rumor: Goaltending controversy could force a trade.

The more you think about the more this unlikely scenario appears like it could become a reality. The Detroit Red Wings find themselves in a very interesting position heading into next season with their goalie of the future Petr Mrazek looking like he's poised to claim the starting job that once belonged to Jimmy Howard. Despite losing his starting job to Mrazek this season Howard made it clear during locker clean outs that he wasn't planning on asking for a trade and intended to reclaim the #1 spot in net. However if Mrazek does win the starting job would Detroit really want to keep Howard as a $5.3million dollar back up? While it's true that the Red Wings could send Mrazek down to the AHL without having to put him on waivers, why would you send your best option to the AHL if he's your goalie of the future? The answer is you wouldn't you would keep him in the NHL in order to maximize the quality of the experience he gains as well as giving yourself the best chance to win and Mrazek believes he's the guy.

"Only one goalie can play," said Mrazek on Monday per the Detroit Free Press. “I’m going to do my best to play as much as I want to and do the best job.”

  The only option left to Detroit in this scenario is a trade, and it's not very hard to think of multiple teams who are in desperate need of a solid #1 goaltender, something Howard has proven he can do in the past. Baring a fabulous offer they can't refuse Detroit probably won't jump the gun and trade Howard during the offseason, but if Mrazek wins the starting job you can expect teams like Toronto, Buffalo, Edmonton and others to be involved in a potential trade.