Who should the Wings protect? Howard or Mrazek?

In his latest article for Mlive, reporter Brendan Savage worked through the two most pressing scenarios facing the Detroit Red Wings at this offseason’s NHL Expansion Draft. Being only able to protect one of their goaltenders from being chosen by the Vegas Golden Knights could pose a dilemma for general manager Ken Holland, but Savage thinks the choice is clear.

On paper, Jimmy Howard was better than Petr Mrazek in 2016-17 in almost every measurable way. When the team needed stability in goal, they turned to Howard but only after Mrazek proved to them that he was incapable of handling the load. Howard performed admirably down the stretch and was, in fact, stellar at the IIHF World Championships, as well.

But, the fact remains that Mrazek is a full eight years younger than Howard and possesses oodles and oodles of potential. The 25 year-old Mrazek has excelled at every level he’s ever played and only needs to find consistency to establish himself as a premier NHL goaltender. Throw in the fact that Howard’s salary and injury history work against him, and it’s clear that the Wings have to move forward with Mrazek as their man between the pipes.

What do you think? Is there a chance Vegas passes on either goaltender? Might we see the tandem employed once again in Hockeytown?