What's Happening?
The Detroit Red Wings have acquired goaltender Ville Husso from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Following the trade, Husso signed a three-year contract with the Red Wings. The financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed. Husso, who was 25-7-6 with a 2.56 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in the regular season for the Blues, was set to become an unrestricted free agent. The Red Wings' new head coach, Derek Lalonde, expressed excitement about Husso joining the team, noting that he will form a goalie tandem with Alex Nedeljkovic. The Red Wings also announced the hiring of Bob Boughner as an associate coach to work with the team's young defensemen.
Why It's Important?
This acquisition is significant for the Detroit Red Wings as they aim to strengthen their goaltending lineup, which has been a point of concern. By securing Husso, the Red Wings hope to improve their defensive performance, having allowed the second most goals per game in the previous season. The addition of Husso, alongside Nedeljkovic, is expected to provide the team with a more reliable goaltending duo, potentially enhancing their competitiveness in the upcoming season. The hiring of Bob Boughner as an associate coach is also a strategic move to develop the team's young defensemen, which could contribute to the Red Wings' long-term success.
What's Next?
The Red Wings will focus on integrating Ville Husso into their roster and determining the best way to utilize him alongside Alex Nedeljkovic. The coaching staff, led by Derek Lalonde, will likely experiment with different goaltending strategies to maximize the effectiveness of the new tandem. Additionally, the team will continue to develop its young defensemen under the guidance of Bob Boughner, aiming to build a more robust defensive unit. The Red Wings' management will also monitor the performance of their new acquisitions and make adjustments as needed to improve their chances of breaking their playoff drought.
