Goalies Detroit Red Wings Should Consider If Jimmy Howard Is Out Long Term

Petr Mrazek is a solid prospect netminder who has played well in the absence of Jimmy Howard. Howard is currently sidelined with a groin tear and is expected to miss two to four weeks, according to general manager Ken Holland.

However, he has an injury history, and having a backup plan is something the Detroit Red Wings should think about. While Mrazek is a capable goalie, he has never been in a situation where he has had to play the role of a starter.

The Red Wings are likely to be a playoff team, and getting an experienced starter would be a wise move on the part of Holland.

With that in mind, here are some netminders the Red Wings should consider if Howard is out long term and a veteran presence is needed.

Through 151 NHL games, Josh Harding is 60-59-0 with a .918 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average. He is currently sitting in the AHL with the Iowa Wild and could be acquired to be a cheap stopgap.

Last year he played like a Vezina Trophy candidate, but his ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis put him back on injured reserve.

While Harding isn't a viable long-term option in net, he showed last season that he can be successful in a pinch. If he can channel the success he had in 2013-14, when he went 18-7-3 with a .933 save percentage and a 1.65 goals-against average, he would be worth the low-risk investment.

Ray Emery is a veteran netminder who could use a change of scenery. The Philadelphia Flyers have started Rob Zepp instead of Emery during the last two games, and he could be moved once Steve Mason is healthy.

With a 7-8-1 record and a 3.34 goals-against average, it is safe to say he's had a bad year behind a terrible defense. Emery had shown he can be a solid netminder in the past, and he'd be a veteran option if Howard's recovery were slower than anticipated.

Emery isn't a permanent solution, but he would be a goalie with some useful playoff experience.

Jhonas Enroth has had the misfortune of playing for a number of terrible Buffalo Sabres teams. The team's current starter is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and the Sabres would probably love to move him for an asset.

He is a better goalie than his numbers show, and playing with a solid NHL defense would do wonders for him as a player.

Enroth could be a pure rental acquisition for insurance purposes, and he could also be a solid backup for a healthy Jimmy Howard.

Martin Jones could be a temporary starter or a permanent backup. If Howard is out longer than expected, Jones could step in and become a starter, and then Petr Mrazek would slot in as his backup.

Jones could then slot back into a backup role when Howard returns and if it is determined that Mrazek isn't ready for regular NHL duty.

No matter the case, Jones would be a solid pickup, but he could be expensive, as numerous teams could look to add him to be a starter.

Stats via Hockey-Reference.com.