Let’s be clear. Jimmy Howard and Jonathan Bernier should not take 100% of the blame for the Detroit Red Wings abysmal 2019-2020 season.
http://gty.im/1138141369
That being said, Howard will be a free agent following the conclusion of this season and there is no way Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman will bring him back for another go-around. That, coupled with the fact that Bernier is more of a backup than a starter, means Yzerman will certainly be looking sign a free agent goaltender this coming offseason.
According to a rumor floating around (Yes, a RUMOR), Yzerman is expected to sign an ‘elite’ goaltender in the offseason. That goaltender is Robin Lehner, who currently plays for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Note: Calling Lehner ‘elite’ as this rumor does may be a stretch but he is solid.
http://gty.im/1210240570
Lehner, who is 28, will become an unrestricted free agent this coming July and he is not expected to re-sign with the Knights.
That being said, the Red Wings will not contend for a Stanley Cup for quite a while and a player like Lehner may rather sign with a contender.
Once again, this is a pure rumor at this point but we like to keep you informed to the best of our ability!
https://detroitsportsnation.com/3-goaltenders-detroit-red-wings-gm-steve-yzerman-consider-signing-2020/apowell/detroit-red-wings-news/03/04/2020/220977/