The 36-year-old goalie was 246-196-70 with a 2.62 goals-against average, .912 save percentage and 24 shutouts in 543 regular-season games (523 starts), all with the Detroit Red Wings, and 21-26 with a 2.58 GAA, .918 save percentage and three shutouts in 48 Stanley Cup Playoff games (47 starts).
"Becoming an NHL goalie was a childhood dream and after an incredible 14 years within the Red Wings organization, I've decided to say farewell to playing professional hockey and move on to the next chapter," Howard said. "It has been the honor of a lifetime to play and I'm forever thankful to the fans, everyone within the Red Wings organization, my teammates and my family for their ongoing support, loyalty and dedication."
Selected by the Red Wings in the second round (No. 64) of the 2003 NHL Draft, Howard was runner-up to defenseman Tyler Myers (Buffalo Sabres) in voting for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the top rookie in the NHL, in 2009-10. He played in the NHL All-Star Game twice (2012, 2019) and won at least 35 games in each of his first three seasons.
Howard, who ranks third in wins and fourth in shutouts in Red Wings history, became an unrestricted free agent after last season, when he was 2-23-2 with a 4.20 GAA and .882 save percentage in 27 games.
"As I enter this new chapter in my life, I look forward to spending more time with my family, coaching my son's hockey team and new opportunities the future will hold," Howard said.
