4 impactful moves for the Detroit Red Wings to make to stay on track
By Tyler Kotila
Detroit Red Wings should phone an old friend to shake up the goalie room.
I understand the Detroit Red Wings’ goaltending problem is not the whole group. James Reimer has played well in the backup role, and Alex Lyon has not seen the ice for a game yet. Ville Husso’s performance has been a problem through the early parts of the season.
Even with the Detroit Red Wings winning early in the year, Husso’s play has been lackluster. Improvements need to be made, but I don’t know where that comes from right now. Husso is still under contract through next year, and it’s a bit early to talk about dumping him, but maybe there’s another move to consider.
The Red Wings can roll the dice with their current trio of goaltenders. That might work, but I’m not sure I’d bank on that trio being successful in a playoff run if the Red Wings’ offense sputters. But if they want to get aggressive, why not consider a local player? In doing so, they could phone an old friend and do them a favor.
If Steve Yzerman wants to get really bold, he could reach out to former Red Wings GM Ken Holland, who has plenty to work on with things in Edmonton. The team demoted Jack Campbell to the minors, and there are rumors that he may be on the trade block. Now, there’s some negatives here. Campbell is signed through the 2026-27 season, and it’s not a pretty deal. He’s owed $3.85 million for the remainder of his three years after 2023-24.
Campbell had a few good seasons in Toronto before heading to Edmonton, and things have not exactly gone well there, especially in 2023-24. He’s played in just five games for the Oilers, where he has a 4.50 GAA and an .873 SV%, which led to his demotion to the AHL.
It would cost a lot and be an investment for years to come, but if the Red Wings wanted to really shake things up, considering a move for Campbell is worth looking into. It’s unlikely, and there could be better options out there, but Holland is an ally here, and Edmonton may be looking to change things up as well, so there could be room for a deal. It’s unlikely, but it could bring some needed change to the goaltending room.