Conklin Signed to Back Up Osgood

The Detroit Red Wings announced the signing of free agent goaltender Ty Conklin on Tuesday.

Conklin, 32, spent the 2007-08 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre. He posted an 18-8-5 record with Pittsburgh in 33 appearances.

Detroit GM Ken Holland admitted that Conklin has an edge over Jimmy Howard in the battle for the backup spot behind Chris Osgood.

“When we go to camp, the number two job is up for grabs,” said Holland. “But for Jimmy Howard to be the number two guy, he’s going to have to win the job.”

Conklin’s deal is a one-year, one-way contract for $750,000.