Ville Husso’s Move from Detroit to Anaheim
Ville Husso, the former St. Louis Blues goaltender, is making another significant move in his NHL career. The 30-year-old Finnish netminder has been traded from the Detroit Red Wings to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for future considerations. This move marks a new chapter in Husso’s journey, which began when he was selected 94th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Blues.
A Promising Start in St. Louis
Husso’s rise to prominence in the NHL started with the St. Louis Blues, where he spent his first two NHL seasons in 2020-21 and 2021-22. The Helsinki, Finland native truly came into his own during the 2021-22 season, putting together a standout performance that earned him recognition league-wide. In 40 games, Husso posted an impressive 25-7-6 record, a 2.56 goals-against average (GAA), and a .919 save percentage (SV%). These numbers not only highlighted his skill but also solidified his position as a reliable goaltender for the Blues.
Transition to Detroit
Following his breakout season with the Blues, Husso was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a third-round draft pick. The move was anticipated to be a positive step for both parties, but Husso’s career trajectory took a different turn. Despite his initial success in St. Louis, Husso struggled to replicate that level of performance with the Red Wings. Over three seasons in Detroit, he played in 82 games, compiling a 36-32-11 record, a .892 SV%, and a 3.26 GAA. These metrics, while still respectable, did not meet the high standards set during his time with the Blues.
A Downward Slide in the 2023-2024 Season
This season has been particularly challenging for Husso. In just nine games with the Red Wings, he managed only a 1-5-2 record, a .866 SV%, and a 3.69 GAA. These numbers placed him lower on the depth chart, leading to a significant amount of time spent in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The lack of consistency and the struggles in Detroit highlighted the need for a fresh start, which the trade to Anaheim aims to provide.
A New Chapter with the Anaheim Ducks
The trade to the Anaheim Ducks represents a new opportunity for Ville Husso to revitalize his career. The Ducks, known for their strong organizational depth and developmental focus, could provide the support and environment needed for Husso to return to form. With the potential to compete for playing time and regain his confidence, Husso has a chance to prove his worth and show that his 2021-22 performance with the Blues was not a fluke. The Ducks’ belief in his abilities and the change of scenery could be the catalyst for a positive turn in his NHL journey.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
As Husso embarks on this new chapter, the hockey community remains eager to see how he adapts to the Anaheim Ducks. His experience and skill, if harnessed correctly, could make a significant impact on the team’s goaltending situation. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings will continue to build and develop their roster, possibly using the future considerations from this trade to strengthen their future. The dynamic nature of the NHL ensures that every move, no matter how small, can have far-reaching consequences, and Husso’s trade is no exception.
