Looks like Ty Conklin of Anchorage is out as the Detroit Red Wings' backup to goaltender Chris Osgood, but expect Conklin to find a new hockey home in the NHL sometime soon -- he's a free agent who can be signed later this week.

The Red Wings intend to promote Jimmy Howard to the big club, which leaves Conklin, who is coming off a career season, to land somewhere else.

The Detroit Free Press reported the news here.

Conklin, 33, has been with the Stanley Cup runners-up two years running -- Detroit this season and Pittsburgh in 2008. He has played for five NHL teams -- Detroit, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Columbus and Edmonton.

Conklin last season went 25-11-2 with a 2.51 goals-against average, .909 save percentage and six shutouts.

The Red Wings still have an Anchorage goalie in their system -- former Notre Dame tender Jordan Pearce signed with them after finishing his college career this spring.