The Detroit Red Wings anticipate Ville Husso’s return following his AHL debut.

The Detroit Red Wings anticipate the return of Ville Husso following a stint for conditioning in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Husso, a veteran goalie, has been sidelined due to a lower-body injury sustained during a game against the Anaheim Ducks in mid-December.

Having been absent for approximately five weeks, the Red Wings sought to provide Husso with an opportunity to regain his form and rhythm before reintegrating him into the NHL roster. Head coach Derek Lalonde expressed his intention to grant Husso playing time with the Grand Rapids Griffins on a conditioning loan to the AHL.

Husso made the most of his two-day conditioning loan, showcasing his skills in a start on Friday night. He delivered an impressive performance, recording a 25-save shutout upon his return to the crease. This marked his 19th career shutout and 12th at the AHL level, marking a successful comeback after his first AHL appearance since the 2019-20 season.

The Detroit Red Wings are expected to welcome Ville Husso back to the team amid their upcoming schedule. With only two games remaining before the All-Star break against the Vegas Golden Knights and the Ottawa Senators, the team is considering Husso’s participation, although no official announcement has been made yet.

Following a standout performance by Alex Lyon in a recent game against the Flyers, the Red Wings could benefit from utilizing a tandem of Husso and Lyon in goal. Despite Husso’s previous durability concerns, his five-week hiatus could potentially allow him to contribute significantly in the second half of the season.

The Red Wings are counting on Husso to deliver a strong performance to bolster their playoff aspirations. While his current record is commendable, there is room for improvement in his overall play, which could greatly benefit the team.

In the 2023-24 season, Husso has appeared in 18 games, starting in 17 of them, with a record of 9 wins, 5 losses, and 2 overtime losses, accompanied by a .893 save percentage and a 3.53 goals-against average. Despite Lyon’s solid performance, Husso’s return adds another positive dimension to the team.

Furthermore, the impending return of Patrick Kane could provide an additional boost for the Red Wings. With the All-Star Break approaching, concluding the remaining two games on a positive note would be crucial for the team’s momentum heading into the second half of the season.