Ryan Ermanni's Blog

It doesn't look like Jimmy Howard will ever get his chance to see what he can do in a Red Wings uniform.  A couple of weeks ago the Wings spent their 1st round draft choice on a goaltender and today, just as the free agency period began, Detroit inked Ty Conklin.  Conklin was one of the most solid back-up goalies in the league last year for Pittsburgh.  He's 32 years old and played great with the Pens in 2007-08 posting an 18-8-5 record with a goals against average of 2.51.  Chances are, Ken Holland didn't sign him to go play for Grand Rapids.

To me, this was kind of surprising.  I thought the Wings were sold on Howard's ability to at least be a serviceable backup goalie.  If nothing else, I thought they would give him a chance during the 1st half of the season before making a move at the trade deadline if they needed to.  Apparently, I was wrong.  You don't make this signing or draft a goalie with your top pick if you are certain that the guy you have wainting in the wings (no pun intended) can produce for you. 

This much I know, Ken Holland will forget more about hockey than I will ever know in my life and I think he has earned the title of "the best g-m in hockey" so I nor anyone else should really challenge him on this move.  I'm pretty sure as far as Wings fans go, it's "IN HOLLAND WE TRUST" and I cannot dispute that.