The Detroit Red Wings got their guy.
After the announcement that veteran Jimmy Howard would not be returning, Detroit was in need of another goaltender to pair up alongside Jonathan Bernier, and they filled that void this afternoon.
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Former New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss is on his way to the Motor City with a two-year contract with an AAV of $3.6 million.
Soon after the signing was announced, Detroit’s newest man in the crease met virtually with media members to discuss his decision, and it’s safe to say that he’s a fan of GM Steve Yzerman.
“I think it’s a good young team,” he explained. “I think they have a very good future and I trust Stevie Yzerman, that he is going to do a great job.”
When asked about how he feels about sharing the net with Bernier, Greiss had nothing but good things to say about his new teammate.
“I think we’re both competitive guys,” he said. “I’m looking forward to competing with him. I don’t know him personally, but (Islanders goalie Semyon) Varlamov played with him, and we had the same goalie coach back in the day. I’ve heard only good things about him and I’m looking forward to playing with him.”
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Jimmy Howard posts emotional message to fans
It was officially the end of an era in the Motor City when GM Steve Yzerman announced that veteran goaltender Jimmy Howard will not be offered a new contract, thus ending his tenure with the only NHL team he’s ever suited up for.
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Howard, who was drafted by Detroit in 2003 and later made his NHL debut in 2005, took over as the starter in the crease during the 2009-10 season from Chris Osgood, and has been a mainstay ever since.
He’ll now become an unrestricted free-agent, and though he unfortunately struggled last season, he’s stated he doesn’t intend on hanging up the pads yet.
He took to social media earlier tonight to post a heartfelt message to the Red Wings and to the fans of the Motor City:
We’ll miss having you in Detroit, Jimmy!
