Jimmy Howard spoke with the Bangor Daily News’s Larry Mahoney 24 hours after Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman confirmed that the team will not be bringing Howard back for the 2020-2021 season:
“It’s bittersweet,” Howard said. “All good things come to an end. It has been such an honor to play for this organization and this city.”
Howard said he is looking to land an NHL job for next season, saying this one left a bitter taste in his mouth.
“I want to go out and prove I can still play in this league for one or two more years,” he said. “I don’t think anyone would want to go out this way.”
Howard isn’t surprised Detroit didn’t offer him a contract.
“It’s the business side of this profession. We all have an expiration date with an organization,” he said.
Howard said he isn’t going to dwell on the past. He is skating and working out in Michigan while hoping to latch on with another team. He said he is looking forward to opening a new chapter of his career with another franchise.
“I’m excited about it. It’s the first time I will be going through free agency. I’m curious to see how it will all work out,” he said.
