NHL Rumors: Detroit Red Wings, and the Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres GM will meet with Jeff Skinner's camp in the next week or two.
The Red Wings will meet with Jimmy Howard’s agent in the next month

Nicholas Cotsonika of NHL.com: Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard would like to remain with the Red Wings as opposed to being traded at the deadline to a contender.

The 34-year old pending UFA would like to sign an extension with the Wings.

“Obviously I want to stay here,” said Howard, whose 232 wins rank third in Red Wings history. “This city has become home, not only for myself but for my family as well. I definitely don’t want to relocate at all. So it would mean the world to me to be able to end my career here in Detroit.”

Red Wings GM Ken Holland said that he plans on talking with Howard’s reps in the next month to discuss his future.

“I want to see what they’re thinking ,” Holland said.

Jeff Skinner’s camp to meet with Sabres GM Jason Botterill in the next week or two

Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Bob McKenzie was on NBCSN and was asked about Buffalo Sabres pending UFA forward Jeff Skinner. Skinner likes the fit in Buffalo but it will likely come down to money.

“With him scoring as many goals as he has, and the meter’s running and the numbers keep going up and up, it’s virtually guaranteed that he’s going to get well over $7 million a year on a long-term deal, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts looking in the more than $8 million range.”

McKenzie adds that it’s believed that Sabres GM Jason Botterill and Skinner’s agents will meet in the next week or two.

If the Sabres are out of the playoff race and they can’t reach deal with Skinner before the trade deadline, they could consider moving him.