Red Wings Waive Former Blues Goalie
Ville Husso, once a crucial part of the goaltending duo for the St. Louis Blues, was placed on waivers by the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday. The move comes as the Red Wings seek to create roster space due to injuries to forward Christian Fischer and defenseman Jeff Petry. With the team currently carrying three goaltenders—Cam Talbot, Alex Lyon, and Husso—Husso’s $4.75 million cap hit became expendable.
Potential AHL Assignment
If Husso goes unclaimed by 1 p.m. CT, the 29-year-old netminder could be assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. This would open up a roster spot for Detroit to call up a replacement to address the injuries impacting Fischer and Petry.
Husso’s Tenure with the Blues
Husso was drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues. He served as the No. 2 goalie behind Jordan Binnington and stepped into a larger role during the 2021-22 season, playing 40 games after appearing in 17 the previous year. However, in 2022, before he could hit unrestricted free agency, the Blues traded Husso to the Red Wings in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Shortly after, Husso signed a three-year, $14.25 million contract to become Detroit’s starting goaltender.
A Promising Start, But Challenges in Detroit
Detroit was drawn to Husso following his impressive performance during the 2021-22 season with St. Louis, where he posted a 25-7-6 record, a 2.56 goals-against average (GAA), and a .919 save percentage in the regular season. He began that postseason as the Blues’ starter but eventually ceded the net to Jordan Binnington, only to reclaim the position after Binnington’s injury in the second round against the Colorado Avalanche.
In two seasons with the Blues, Husso held a strong record of 34-14-7, with a 2.74 GAA and a .912 save percentage. However, his transition to the Red Wings has been more challenging. Over three seasons with Detroit, Husso has posted a 35-28-9 record, a 3.25 GAA, and an .894 save percentage. His 2023-24 season was particularly difficult, marred by injuries that limited him to just 19 games.
A Difficult Start to the 2024-25 Season
Husso’s struggles continued into the 2024-25 season. He started in the Red Wings’ season opener last Thursday but was pulled from the game after allowing four goals on 14 shots in a 6-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. With the injuries to key players and the presence of two other goalies on the roster, Husso’s placement on waivers is a strategic move for the team.
Looking Ahead
Husso, who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025, now faces an uncertain future. Whether he will continue with the Red Wings or find a new team remains to be seen. For now, the former Blues goalie will await the waiver results and the next steps in his NHL career.
Comments