GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Detroit Red Wings, NHL affiliate of the Grand Rapids Griffins, on Thursday announced the signing of goaltender Jimmy Howard to a three-year, entry-level contract. He is expected to begin his professional career with the Griffins in October.

Howard, 21, was Detroits first choice (64th overall) in the 2003 Entry Draft. During his three-year career at the University of Maine, he earned a school-record 15 shutouts while posting a 1.84 goals against average, a 0.931 save percentage and a 47-23-10 record.

As a junior last season, Howard showed a 1.92 GAA and a 0.924 save percentage in 39 games, including a 1.58 GAA and 0.940 save percentage in his 20 starts after Christmas. Four of his six shutouts came against Hockey East opponents, giving him a conference-record nine for his career. Howards collegiate career ended with a 1-0 overtime loss to Minnesota in the first round of the NCAA tournament, despite his 37 saves.

After earning the Hockey East Rookie of the Year Award in 2003, Howard enjoyed a 2003-04 sophomore campaign that ranked among the best in Division I history. He set NCAA single-season records with a 1.19 GAA and a 0.956 save percentage, and was named a Hockey East First-Team All-Star and NCAA East Second-Team All-American.