Run the Jewels
Make Detroit Great Again
Howard was not a backup when he was signed to that deal. By any reasonable estimation... Mrazek would just be starting as the backup in Detroit this year. Mrazek shooting up like a rocket doesn't change that Howard didn't sign a backup's contract.
How many highly touted goalies have flamed out after one great season? Or big time prospects flare out in the minors and play like garbage in the big time.
This one will always stick in my craw. The contract for Howard was not a bad one when it was signed and it should not retroactively become a bad one because Mrazek surpassed expectations.
There are several deals that made zero sense from the day they were drawn up, like Abby and Helm. Howard's was a deal that looks exponentially worse because a prospect exceeded expectations.
First off we're talking about a playoff team acquiring a backup. Miller makes sense, Howard does not. This is pretty straightforward.
Second, Mrazek has outpeformed Howard at every level. So you had some idea he was potentially going to be a better goaltender than Howard. To pretend he came out of nowhere is simply wrong.
Finally, Holland didn't need to give Howard term, top dollar and a NTC/NMC. His one playoff win we were actually outscored by the Ducks. To pretend he was a Carey Price level goalie is absurd. We routinely see Holland handing out goodies rather than make a firm stand. It's actually amazing he walked away from Smith's demands, that almost never happens with Holland. It certainly didn't in the case of Howard.
I can agree that signing Howard was entirely acceptable. I just disagree very strongly with many of your suppositions with regard to how good Howard was and having no idea Mrazek would likely turn into a very good NHL goaltender.