The Daily: Mark Howe Explains Why He Quit the Red Wings

Mark Howe, son of Gordie, spent roughly a quarter century working for the Detroit Red Wings as a pro scout. He was a fixture on the road for those in the hockey community. He watched more than his fair share of NHL games.

But last summer, Howe, 66,  informed the Red Wings he was retiring.

He explained his reasons to the Detroit News writer Mark Falkner in a recent subscriber-only story.

“I think Stevie was set back a little bit when I told him,” Howe told the News. “Then I brought up the same thing to him that I used to ask my dad about retirement. I said, ‘Steve, you were a player. Why did you retire?’ And, in his words to me, he said, ‘I get it.’”

He slipped away quietly this summer. There wasn’t even a press release. That low profile exit fits Howe’s personality. He has always done a good job without fanfare.

“I can remember asking dad, ‘How do you know when it’s time to retire?’” Howe said in Falkner’s story “His answer would always be, ‘Well, you’ll know.’ I would say, ‘Dad, that’s a stupid answer and you’re not helping me one iota.’ He said, ‘Don’t worry. You’ll know.’  In 1995, I was headed home from a game that we won convincingly. I did my job as a fifth or sixth defenseman. Played my 16 minutes but then I said, ‘Wow.’ It just hit me. (You) know it’s time to give this game up. I just didn’t have the same feeling anymore. So I called dad and said, ‘Well, thanks. I get it. Thanks for the advice.’”

Rumor of the Day

San Jose: Elliotte Friedman reports the Sharks are willing to retain plenty of salary if it will help move Evander Kane trade. in Kane is eligible to return from suspension on November 30.

Around the NHL

Detroit:  The Red Wings would like more goals from Filip Zadina, but mostly they just want winning hockey. 

Also, the Red Wings now have four players out with injury.

Olympics: TSN Insiders provided information on Olympic travel plans. The NHL Olympians will have a flight direct from Las Vegas after the All-Star game. The NHLers have plenty of COVID worries.

New York: The Islanders COVID issues are continuing. Their “hellish” week continues.

Boston: The Bruins are struggling. Coach Bruce Cassidy is tweaking the blue line pairs trying to light a fire under his group

Also, The Bruins are tweaking their defence, moving up Matt Grzelcyk to the top pair.

Washington: With injuries piling up, the Capitals used Trevor van Riemsdyk at wing.

Montreal: The Habs’ poor penalty killing is making matters worse.

Colorado: Some fans complained the Avalanche were offside on a GWG. That would have been true under the old rules. It was false based on the new rules. See for yourself. 

Pittsburgh: Three things Penguins did right, three things to improve after their road trip.