Detroit Red Wings: Why Ty Conklin's Days as a Journeyman Have Come to an End

Ty Conklin, welcome back to Detroit—it's been a long time coming.

Even before Chris Osgood retired July 19, Detroit fans have been eagerly awaiting the announcement of signing a backup goalie.

There were numerous names thrown around like Tomas Vokoun, Jose Theodore and Brian Boucher, but Conklin, for some reason, seems to be the right fit in Detroit.

Maybe it's because he's been here before.

Perhaps it's because he's succeeded here before.

But my personal opinion is that it's because he is content to be a journeyman backup goalie.

Now, the word "journeyman" (according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary) refers to someone who is, "an experienced reliable...athlete...especially as distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful."

Conklin fits the description wonderfully; he is not cocky, arrogant or boisterous like other players and goaltenders in the NHL. He simply does the job and does what is asked of him.

Conklin has been to Detroit for a season before, and he made the most of it, going 25-11-2 in 40 games played with a 2.51 GAA and 90.9 save percentage.

While those aren't the most impressive GAA numbers and save percentage, one should look at the 25 wins in 40 games played very positively; Conklin knows how to win as a backup.

Conklin did not play a full game with Detroit in the playoffs (Osgood played them all), but there is no doubt he remembers it well. For the second time in his career, Conklin came to within one game of winning his first Stanley Cup.

The Wings are hoping to get further than the second round of the playoffs this go-round, but if they are to do so, they must once again get some quality playing from Conklin so Jimmy Howard can rest when necessary.

One remembers the 2009-2010 postseason all too well, as Howard simply looked like he ran out of gas from playing too many games.

Conklin is again playing backup goalie, but this time, it is to a far younger Howard. Conklin will benefit greatly by playing in Detroit, as opposed to his past two seasons with the lesser-skilled Blues. He will almost certainly see his numbers improve from last year's .500 record as a backup in St. Louis.

Hopefully (knock on wood) no long-term injuries affect Howard this season, but even if he goes down to an injury, it's good to know Detroit has a confident and capable backup waiting for a chance to get in and do what is asked of him.

As far as the "journeyman" title for Conklin, I think his days as a journeyman—in the modern day sense—may be over, and he may find a home in Detroit if he has another solid season here.

If Conks has another good season with the Red Wings, GM Ken Holland can spend less time looking for a backup goalie and more time giving Conklin a new contract next offseason.

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