Goaltender Ville Husso does not have a great start to his Detroit Red Wings career. A number of injuries have limited his on-ice action, but is he now ready to compete for the starter job with newcomer Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon?
With the preseason in full swing, Husso is preparing for a big season ahead. The question is, will he stay healthy?
Husso was traded by the St. Louis Blues to Detroit for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Since he arrived in Detroit, he has played well when he is between the pipes.
While the injury bug has taken over his time with the Red Wings, he looks to maintain good health throughout the upcoming season. Until now, he has played in 75 games with the Red Wings entering his third season with the franchise.
The Detroit Red Wings are hoping for big things from Ville Husso
In his first season, he posted a record of 26-22-7 with a .896 save percentage and a 3.11 goals-against-average. Last season, he recorded a 9-5-2 record with a 3.55 GAA and a .892 save percentage.
Husso is in the third-year of a three-year contract that sees him earn $4.75 million per season. He will be an unrestricted free agent after this season and the Red Wings may see him play out his contract.
The depth chart for Detroit between the pipes sees some promise, so he may leave a void in the net if he leaves. Goaltenders Husso, Talbot, Lyon, and Jack Campbell are veterans on the team. Prospects include Sebastien Cossa and Trey Augustine,
Husso, as of now, is in competition for the starter job with Talbot and Lyon. He is capable of filling that role again, but he has to prove that he can stay healthy. If he struggles or is injured again this season, Detroit will likely move on from him at season's end.
If he plays well and is injury-free, then they have quite the situation between the pipes. Detroit cannot keep three goaltenders the way the current roster is constructed. General manager Steve Yzerman needs to decide at the end of training camp.