Petr-Mrazek-Jimmy-Howard.jpg

The Red Wings expect a healthy competition in goal next season between Petr Mrazek (left) and Jimmy Howard (right).

(AP File Photos)

DETROIT - Jimmy Howard lost his starting job in the playoffs to Petr Mrazek, but he'll have a chance to earn it back in training camp.

The Detroit Red Wings aren't going to trade Howard. They plan on having Howard and Mrazek as their goaltending tandem in 2015-16.

Howard, 31, has four years remaining on his contract at a salary-cap hit of $5.3 million. Even if the Red Wings wanted to move Howard it would be difficult because of his contract. Plus, few teams are in the market for a starting goalie.

But it's moot. The Red Wings expect Howard to have a good summer of training and come into camp motivated to win his job back. They believe a healthy competition will be good for Mrazek and the team.

Howard had a 2.11 goals-against average and .920 save percentage in 32 games before suffering a groin injury on Jan. 10 in Washington. Missed a month and struggled when he returned, posting a 2.99 GAA and .896 save percentage in 21 appearances.

With Mrazek earning only $738,000 next season, the Red Wings will have $6 million committed to their goalies, which they feel is a reasonable cap figure for that position.

Aside from a few hiccups, Mrazek played well this season and was outstanding on several occasions. The Red Wings want to see if he can play that well over a full NHL season.

Mrazek went 16-9-2, with a 2.38 GAA and .918 save percentage in the regular season. He was 3-4, with a 2.11 GAA and .925 save percentage in the playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"It was a great opportunity," Mrazek said. "I think it's going to help me in the future. A great experience. I'm looking forward to next season right now."

Mrazek, 23, posted shutouts in Games 3 and 5 and gave his team a chance to win the series.

"I thought he was great," coach Mike Babcock said. "A young guy with good athleticism and a good mind for the game and he's going to get better."

Said captain Henrik Zetterberg: "He played unbelievable for us. He played a good year last year in Grand Rapids.

"We can't forget about Howie. Howie played real well for us before he had that injury and then he had a tough time coming back. But he's a good goalie. That's a position of strength."

Jonas Gustavsson, who continuously battled injuries during his three seasons in Detroit, won't be re-signed. He will be an unrestricted free agent.

Playing hurt: Several Red Wings were playing through injuries during the playoffs, but none will require surgery.

Pavel Datsyuk was bothered by a late-season ankle injury. Justin Abdelkader had a broken right middle finger from blocking a shot April 4 at Minnesota. Jonathan Ericsson had a broken toe.

Luke Glendening had a torn tendon in his finger suffered late in Game 4. Marek Zidlicky missed Game 7 due to a concussion in Game 6 on a hit from Brenden Morrow.

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