I don't think Howard is worth a long term deal at that high of a salary either but some of you guys need to dial back your expectations/evaluations of Mrazek.
Mrazek might turn out to be a great goalie but as of right now he's not anywhere near as good as Howard, and probably wont be for a few years if ever. He's played 2 games, one where he faced almost no shots, and another where he looked sub par and some of you seem willing to give him the starting job already.
I think it's okay to speculate on how a ridiculously long contract for Howie would affect Mrazek, and what he'd think about it. I'd say he feels like he just got Tatar'd on this one (which is the off-ice version of being Kronwalled, but happens far more frequently to prospects).
The organization has high hopes for Mrazek, the Wings have proven that a team can win without a Vezina winner in net, and Howard has been streaky and semi injury prone so far. Not to mention that decent to good goaltending isn't difficult to acquire. IMO, those are decent reasons to not want Howard to get a contract with such a long term. Flexibility is good in the cap age, especially at his position.
I wouldn't give Mrazek the starting job now, but I'd like to see him develop and be able to compete for it in 3 seasons or so. Give Howie a 6 or 7 year deal and Mrazek could be ready to start with Howard still providing a 3-4 year roadblock. Or maybe Mrazek ends up sucking royally- we're still tied to Howard for far too long.