Goaltender Ville Husso will play next season for the Detroit Red Wings, who picked him up Friday from the St. Louis Blues for their 73rd overall pick in the 2022 Entry Draft.
Husso, 27, who is eligible for full free agency, is also expected to sign a three-year deal averaging $4.75 million a year, according to the Sportsnet network.
He will therefore try to revive the Wings, who have been excluded from the playoffs for the past six campaigns. The Finn went 25-7-6 with 2.56 goals against average and 0.919 percent save percentage last season, sharing the job with Jordan Binnington in goal.
However, he struggled more in the playoffs, where the Blues lost to the Colorado Avalanche in the second round. He won two of his seven decisions and maintained a rate of 3.67 GAA and .890.
Four goalies marched in front of the Wings cage in Detroit in 2021-2022, including Alex Nedeljkovic, who played a total of 59 games.
Eetu Luostarinen said yes to the Panthers
The Florida Panthers on Friday signed forward Eetu Luostarinen to a two-year deal eligible for restricted free agent status.
The value of the agreement was not specified. The 23-year-old Finn completed his pact to join the National Hockey League this year.
Luostarinen helped Team Florida lead the standings in 2021-22, recording nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points in 78 games. He added two points in 10 playoff games.
“Eetu is a selfless, dependable and intelligent hockey player who plays consistently night after night,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in a statement. We are delighted to have him back in our squad.”
The 2019 World Championship gold medalist was acquired in a trade with Vincent Trocheck of the Carolina Hurricanes on February 24, 2020.