I’ve looked into Howard to see if this guy is going to be the future between the pipes for Detroit. Doesn’t look like it. He’s somewhat inconsistent and his numbers have not been terribly impressive, even at the AHL level.

Detroit is extremely, extremely weak in the goaltending prospects department, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they acquired one over the next couple years. Osgood has 2 more years left before he needs a contract, so unless he goes completely cold or gets hurt, and Howard comes in and plays lights out hockey, Osgood should be favored this season.

Non-playoff Osgood is still better than Howard, so you may want to look elsewhere for a long term keeper option.