NHL Rumors: Red Wings and Howard … Blues and Maroon
Patrick Maroon hoping one-year deal turns into a long-term deal. Jimmy Howard's play will determine whether he re-signs or if he's traded.

Howard’s play this season could determine if he’s extended or traded

Ansar Khan of MLive: Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard is entering the final year of his deal, and carries a $5.291 million salary cap hit.

Howard could get into 50-plus games, but Jonathan Bernier should put him. How Howard plays this season could determine if the Red Wings are interested in re-signing him. A two-deal could be an option if he has a good season.

If Howard doesn’t have a great season, he could be shopped at the trade deadline.

Maroon hoping one-year deal sets him up for another five

Lou Korac of NHL.com: Forward Patrick Maroon took less money to sign a one-year deal with the St. Louis Blues, his hometown team and to be closer to his son.

“It came down to if I was going to take a one-year deal, what team was going to help me prolong my career and what team was the best decision,” Maroon said Monday at the St. Louis AAA Blues Celebrity Golf Classic at Forest Hills Country Club. “I feel like the St. Louis Blues had my best interest. There were guys reaching out and making me feel wanted. was pushing really hard for me.

“Obviously I left some things on the table, but I think it’s a life-changing thing for me and I think this is the team that’s going to get my game where it needs to be and put me in the right direction moving forward for hopefully the next five years.”

Maroon added that the Blues trading for Ryan O’Reilly and signing Tyler Bozak, David Perron and Chad Johnson made the signing with the Blues even easier.