Howard (groin) was recalled from AHL Grand Rapids and removed from long-term injured reserve by the Red Wings on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

It was already confirmed that Howard would draw the start for Sunday's game against Arizona, so this was just a formal move to make that happen. Howard has missed 10 games with the injury, but has been dreadful this season, going 2-11-1 along with a 3.94 GAA and .887 save percentage in 14 appearances.

Howard (groin) will protect the home goal Sunday versus the Coyotes, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard's return will be just in time, as Jonathan Bernier left Saturday's game with a groin injury and has been ruled out for Sunday. Howard has missed 10 games with the injury and will need to be officially activated from injured reserve prior to making the start.

Howard (groin) will suit up for AHL Grand Rapids on Friday as part of his conditioning assignment. Barring any setbacks, the netminder could return to the Red Wings' crease for Sunday's matchup with Arizona, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard gave up two goals on 30 shots (.938 save percentage) and earned a win for the Griffins in his previous outing. Once given the all-clear and removed from injured reserve, the veteran netminder should get back to splitting starts with Jonathan Bernier.

The Red Wings placed Howard (groin) on long-term injured reserve and assigned him to AHL Grand Rapids for conditioning Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Detroit has yet to release any details in terms of an expected timetable for Howard's stay in the minors, but he could be back with the big club as soon as this weekend. Once healthy, the veteran backstop, who's compiled a 2-11-1 record in 14 appearances this season, will resume splitting starts with Jonathan Bernier.

Howard (groin) won't suit up in Tuesday's game against the Blue Jackets, and he may endure a conditioning stint with AHL Grand Rapids before returning to the lineup, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the move isn't official yet, it locks in that either Jonathan Bernier or Eric Comrie will start Tuesday. Grand Rapids plays Tuesday, Friday and Saturday on the road, so Howard could log a good amount of minor-league work before he returns to an NHL game for the first time since Nov. 27. Regardless of the path he takes, Howard shouldn't be out much longer.

Howard (groin) isn't expected to be ready to return this weekend, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Wings have lost 12 straight games and appear to be destined for a spot in the NHL's draft lottery, so there's no reason for them to rush Howard back before he has fully recovered from his groin injury. The team should provide another update on the veteran netminder's status once his return is considered imminent, but at this point he should be considered out indefinitely.

Howard is specifically dealing with a soft-tissue injury, according to Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, who adds it's not an issue that should affect the goalie long term, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Wings have lost nine straight games, with Howard being shelved for the past two. So far, it's been a dismal season for Detroit's veterans, and the team's "top goalie" is no exception based on a 2-11-1 record, 3.94 GAA and .887 save percentage through 14 games. If you own Howie in fantasy, chances are you sought other options even before he went on injured reserve.

Howard (lower body) has been ruled out for Friday's game versus the Flyers, Dana Wakiji of the Red Wings' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard was injured midway through the first period of Wednesday's game against the Maple Leafs. With Jonathan Bernier (illness) also questionable despite playing Wednesday, the Red Wings will likely recall Calvin Pickard from AHL Grand Rapids.

Howard left Wednesday's home game against the Maple Leafs with a knee injury, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Howard wasn't supposed to start this contest, but Jonathan Bernier fell ill before arriving at the rink, pushing Howard back into the crease for his second straight start. Bernier didn't suit up and was in the locker room in case of an emergency, so he'll enter the game in Howard's place.

Howard will start at home against the Maple Leafs, contradicting a previous report that Jonathan Bernier would start, Dana Wakiji of the Red Wings' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear if Bernier suffered an injury or illness, but Howard will patrol the crease. Howard is looking to snap a six-game losing streak where he posted a putrid .860 save percentage.