My thought on this the other day was that Monster is signed for 2 years, after that (if he does establish himself better with the Wings) he might want to go elsewhere and Mrazek could be the backup for 2014-15, and Patterson will be in the AHL by that time too. Either that, or we will see a veteran like Conklin for a year if Mrazek isn't ready.
The Wings seem to be in solid salary cap position for next year, so I don't think they will have problems giving raises to Howard and Filppula to keep them this summer.
Kind of feel bad for MacDonald, the Wings have liked him as the #3 tucked away in the AHL in case of emergencies, but he seems frustrated that he never gets the chance to be the regular backup. He's still on the team, but does want out. I think the problem is that I don't know what kind of opportunities are out there for him... Holland will probably try to trade him, if nobody answers, he will put him on waivers, and someone might claim him. It was suck to see one of Mrazek or McCollum go to Toledo after they have been playing well as a tandem in Grand Rapids of late, but Joey Mac will be in Grand Rapids if he remains in the Wings system, I would imagine, and would be the #3 guy.
I wouldn't mind the Wings trying to package McCollum in a trade while his stock is higher. He will probably be re-signed and put through waivers to go to the AHL again next year if they don't trade him. I just don't think his stock is high enough to get much in return, unless he is part of a bigger package.