I'm fine with it if it's for reasonable money and at most 2 more seasons. Realistically in the general area of 2 x $4M makes sense. I'd say lower, but I have to think Jimmy's agent points to the fact that the team has a $3M #2 and feels there should be some separation.
The Bernier signing is still a head-scratcher for me, especially if they are ready to extend Howard this early. I don't mean adding the player per se. Bernier makes sense for a #2 or maybe a guy that can challenge for a limited #1 role, but I'm starting think they accidentally faxed over the contract they hoped to sign Hutton to and had to stick with it.
That said, IMO having an affordable tandem of known quantities for the next two years is probably the safest way to go from an asset management standpoint. Probably wouldn't be the best idea to trade future assets for a guy or sign someone long term for big money while they're still rebuilding. At the same time, unless Howard drops off tremendously, they'll be in a better spot goalie wise in the team starts to turn it around, as opposed to mailing it in having Bernier (who clearly isn't a starter) and some cheap warm body at the position.
I do however agree that they should wait to see how the season unfolds before making this decision.
This thread's kind of funny though. Posts downing Howard over his injury probability (even though he's only missed one game since he returned from an injury in March 2017), followed shortly by suggestions that they go after Varlamov (who has missed 74 of a possible 170 games the past two season with various ailments)....
