Red Wings place starting goaltender on IR

Ville Husso, who left the Detroit Red Wings’ game early two days ago with an apparent knee injury has been placed on injured reserve by the franchise. This news comes after it was revealed on Tuesday by head coach Derek Lalonde that Husso would be out of commission on a week-to-week basis.

This IR placement clears a spot on Detroit’s 23-man roster, perhaps for the team to use to recall veteran netminder Michael Hutchinson, who they signed to an NHL deal on Wednesday. With Alex Lyon out “until at least after Christmas,” according to Lalonde, Husso’s injury leaves the Red Wings with just one healthy goalie on their active roster.

Seeing as the Red Wings have a game against the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday, a move to add a backup to the roster behind James Reimer should be expected. With Husso’s IR placement, room for that move has been created.

Husso, 28, is in the midst of a second season as Detroit’s number-one goalie. He signed a $4.75M AAV contract in the summer of 2022 in order to take that role for Detroit, and he was only okay last year. He had his moments, but his .896 save percentage reflected a need to play with more consistency. He did play in 56 games last season, though, and has already played in 18 this year.

So far this season, Husso has gone 9-5-2 with a 3.53 goals-against-average and .893 save percentage. In his absence, the Red Wings will turn to Reimer, who has a .908 save percentage this season.