Jimmy Howard

Lore & Background

Howard began his junior career with the Westport Rideaus of the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League before joining the U.S. National Team Development Program. He played for the University of Maine Black Bears, leading them to the 2003–04 Frozen Four championship game, which they lost 1–0 to the University of Denver. During that season he set NCAA records for goals against average (1.19) and save percentage (.956), records he held until surpassed by Yaniv Perets in 2022.

Howard turned professional with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL in 2005–06, becoming the first Griffin named to the AHL's All-Rookie Team. He made his NHL debut with the Red Wings that season, facing a penalty shot in each of his first two games—the only NHL goalie to do so. After serving as backup to Chris Osgood, Howard won the starting role mid-season in 2009–10, finishing with a 37–15–10 record and a nomination for the Calder Trophy. He signed a six-year, $31.8 million contract extension with the Red Wings in April 2013.

Howard represented the United States at the 2012 World Championships, the 2014 Winter Olympics (as third-choice goaltender, not playing), and the 2017 World Championships. He retired in January 2021 and later became a Red Wings studio analyst for Bally Sports Detroit in September 2022.

Reader's Guide

Jimmy Howard's significance lies in his long tenure as a Detroit Red Wings goaltender, playing his entire NHL career with the franchise. He reached several milestones, including his 200th career win in October 2017 and his 500th NHL game in February 2019, becoming the third Red Wings goalie to reach that mark after Terry Sawchuk and Chris Osgood. His NCAA records at the University of Maine—1.19 GAA and .956 save percentage in 2003–04—stood for nearly two decades. Howard was a Calder Trophy finalist in 2010 and was named to the NHL All-Star Game in 2015, though he could not participate due to injury. After retirement, he transitioned to broadcasting as a studio analyst for Bally Sports Detroit and later moved into coaching, being hired as goalie coach for the Detroit PWHL team in June 2026. His career was marked by both achievement and injury, including a broken finger, groin injuries, and a right knee sprain that affected his play.

Did You Know?

• Howard is the only NHL goalie to face a penalty shot in each of his first two games.
• He set NCAA records for GAA (1.19) and save percentage (.956) in 2003–04, which stood until 2022.
• Howard was included in the 2008 Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup picture and given the Cup for a day, though his name was not engraved.
• He recorded his 200th career NHL win on October 5, 2017, in the season opener at Little Caesars Arena.