from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

Jimmy Howard has had better statistics in seasons past, but some in the Detroit Red Wings organization believe the longtime goaltender is having one of his better seasons.

That is why they want to sign him to a contract extension.

But they also realize he could be a valuable trade chip as the Feb. 25 deadline approaches. They would like to acquire a first-round pick for him. That seems unlikely, unless the starting goalie for a Stanley Cup-contending team suffers a season-ending injury in the next four weeks.

Unless the Red Wings lower their demands, they might not be able to move Howard. And that would be fine with them, because they want to keep him, probably for two more seasons. They don’t view Jonathan Bernier as a No. 1 goalie and none of their prospects are close to being NHL-ready. Howard would bridge the gap.

However, trading him and then re-signing him on July 1 also remains a possibility. Howard has made it clear he wants to stay.

The Red Wings (19-25-7) limped into the All-Star break with a 5-12-3 record in their past 20 games and are just two points from the NHL’s basement. If they finish last overall, they’ll have the best odds (18.5 percent) of winning the April draft lottery and the ability to select Jack Hughes with the first pick.

If they unload Howard, it could all but guarantee they'll finish last.

continue to read about Howard going to the All-Star game...