DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard, entering the final year of his contract, would like to sign a long-term pact but said he doesn't feel any urgency to get a new deal just because Columbus goalie Steve Mason agreed to a two-year, $5.8 million extension this week.

"Good for him,'' Howard said. "I don't think it has anything to do with me. It's two different organizations. It's two different situations.''

Howard has no problem waiting until later in the season to re-sign, if need be.

"In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter (when he signs) because I know if I just go out there and take care of business on the ice, everything will be fine,'' Howard said. "Would I like to get a deal done sooner rather than later? Yeah. But I'm really not too concerned about it.''

Howard, who is earning $800,000 this season, can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He would like to sign long-term with the Red Wings.

"That would be an awesome situation,'' Howard said. "I love it here in Detroit, know the management, love the organization and love the guys in the dressing room so, hopefully, I get to stick around here for a long time.''