The Detroit Red Wings are hoping that Ville Husso will be able to return to the NHL roster soon. The veteran goalie has been out with a lower-body injury since the team's game against the Anaheim Ducks in mid-December.
Ville Husso has missed about five weeks, so the Detroit Red Wings were hoping to get him a chance to get things right and get back into a routine before bringing him back to Detroit. Head coach Derek Lalonde noted that he hoped to get him a look in with the Grand Rapids Griffins on a conditioning loan to the AHL.
Derek Lalonde said they’re leaning toward getting Ville Husso a game in Grand Rapids this weekend. #LGRW
— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) January 25, 2024
He made the most of his conditioning loan with his start on Friday night. Husso was loaned to Grand Rapids for two days, being sent there to get a game under his belt after rehabbing from his injury. Husso managed a 25-save shutout in his return to the crease.
Per MLive's report, it was his 19th career shutout and 12th at the AHL level. This came during his first AHL appearance since the 2019-20 season. But, after five weeks away from the ice, it had to be good for Husso to get back on the ice and get a game under his belt before returning to Detroit.
Detroit Red Wings expected to welcome Ville Husso back to the team.
The Red Wings only have two games left before the All-Star break. They'll take on the Vegas Golden Knights today and then the Ottawa Senators. At the time of writing, nothing has been announced about Husso starting against Vegas, but it's possible.
Ville Husso with the 25-save shutout, Star of the Game in @griffinshockey 3-0 win over @BellevilleSens. He’s expected to return to @DetroitRedWings tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/hqhKYAuLp0
— Bob Kaser (@bkaser1) January 27, 2024
If not, Husso will likely be back in the crease against the Ottawa Senators before the All-Star break, but time will tell. The Red Wings veteran netminder has missed a good chunk of time, but the time away from the ice could allow him to settle back in nicely.
This comes after Alex Lyon's bounce-back game on Thursday, where he managed a shutout as the Red Wings beat the Flyers. So, a tandem of Husso and Lyon could benefit Detroit. While durability has been a problem for Husso in the past, with a 5-week hiatus as he rehabbed, Detroit may be able to ride with Husso a good bit in the second half.
For the Red Wings, Husso needs to come out and perform well. It's only going to help the playoff hopes down the line. While his record is good, his overall performance could be improved a bit for Husso, getting him back on track.
In 2023-24, Husso has played in 18 games, with 17 starts. He's got a 9-5-2 record with a .893 save percentage and a 3.53 goals-against average. While Lyon has been playing quite well for the Red Wings, having Husso back is another nice boost for this team.
Patrick Kane is also nearing a return, which could end up being another big boost for the Red Wings. While the All-Star Break is looming, a solid two-game finish would be huge, leaving the Red Wings looking up heading into the second half.