Jimmy Howard talks sleepless nights and his career after this season

Goaltender Jimmy Howard has been a member of the Detroit Red Wings since being drafted by the team in 2003. He's been a starter there since wrestling the number one position away from Chris Osgood in 2009-10. However, the 36-year-old knows 2019-20 was likely his last season wearing the winged wheel after an awful year that saw him winning just two games in 27 starts.

“I love this state, this city and this city is home to us now. I would want to finish my career as a Red Wind," Howard told the Detroit News. "But, at the same time, I've been around this game long enough to realize there comes a time when you have to separate ties. If that's the way it'll have to go, I've mentally prepared for that. My wife and I have talked about it a little bit, and if that's going to be the case, it'll be the case. But, we'll cross that bridge when we get there. Honestly, there's so much up in the air right now."

If this is his last year with the Red Wings, Howard isn't convinced it's his last year playing in the NHL.

“I want to keep playing,” he said. “This year left such a bitter taste in my mouth. I want to go out there and show people I can still play in this league – I know I'm capable.”

2019-20 was the worst statistical year of Howard's career. With just two victories, he recorded a 4.22 goals-against-average and .822 save percentage. While Detroit was definitely a bad team, fellow goaltender Johnathan Bernier managed 15 wins in 46 starts, as well as a 2.95 GAA and a .907 save percentage.

"You go home shaking your head a lot of times,” Howard said. “I spent a lot sleepless nights constantly thinking about things. That's not good. Normally I do a great job of separating things, but as the season kept going it got tougher.”

According to the Detroit News, the Red Wings will move on with Bernier as their number one goaltender next season and will look to the free agency market to fill the backup slot. Howard is all but certain to be looking to sign with another team.

Source: The Detroit News

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