The Detroit Red Wings have announced they have traded goaltender Ville Husso to the Anaheim Ducks for future considerations. The Red Wings free up cap space and a roster spot leading up to the trade deadline.
Red Wings, Ville Husso part ways
Husso was drafted by the St. Louis Blues 94th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft. High expectations came with the pick but he never fully reached his potential. Therefore, he was traded to the Red Wings on July 8, 2022, for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. He started out playing well and was showing Detroit they they made no mistake in making the trade.
However, shortly after he was acquired the injury bug hit. He would get healthy and another injury would hit. Here is a list of his injury history while with Detroit:
- 12/29/22 illness 3/3/23 undisclosed 3/23/23 lower body 12/19/23 lower body 1/31/24 undisclosed 2/13/24 lower body
He would finish the 2024-25 season with the Red Wings with a 1-5-2 record, a 3,69 goals against-average (GAA), and a .866 save percentage. He was struggling so much so that they sent him to the Red Wings American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffns. He compiled a record of 8-4, with a 2.70 GAA and a .892 save percentage. His Red Wings career ends with a record of 36-32-11, a 3.26 GAA, and a .892 save percentage with four shutouts.
As for the Ducks, they will place Husso with their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls for the time being
They have a short amount of time to figure out what they have with Husso due to the fact he will become an unrestircted free agent (UFA) after this season. Husso's health will be a major factor for the rest of the season as to if he gets a Ducks contract. When healthy, Husso can be a number one starter and play well. However, with his injury history, time will tell where he will suit up next season if it is not in Anaheim.
This move may also signal a trade for goaltender John Gibson. Gibson has been rumored in trade talks for the past couple of years and this may be the time to move him. Something to keep an eye on as the trade deadline approaches.
In other Red Wings news, it was announced today that forward Andrew Copp will miss the rest of the season. Copp underwent successful surgery to repair his left pectoral tendon. this surgery has an expected time of recovery of 4-6 months. This season, Copp had 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points in 56 games.