Veteran Goalie Signs Extension with Anaheim Ducks

Ville Husso Signs Extension with Anaheim Ducks

Husso has played for the St Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings and the Ducks over his five-year NHL career. Last season, he went 2-6-3 is 13 NHL appearances between the Red Wings and Ducks. He had a 3.47 goals-against-average and a .890 save percentage.

The Helsinki, Finland native has a career record of 71 wins, 46 regulation losses and 18 overtime/shootout losses. He also has seven career shutouts, but didn’t have any last season. St Louis originally drafted him in the fourth round, 94th overall of the 2014 NHL Draft.

Husso made nine appearances last season with the AHL San Diego Gulls. He went 7-2-0 with a .907 save percentage and 2.56 GAA. The 30-year-old also spent time with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, which is Detroit’s minor league team. Husso went 8-4 with a .912 save percentage and 2.70 GAA with two shutouts.

What It Means

Anaheim seems to be starting over in goal after dealing John Gibson to the Red Wings. Likely starter Lukas Dostal is a restricted free agent, but it’s likely that he’ll stay put in Orange County.

Husso will likely compete with Petr Mrazek for the backup spot. Mrazek was acquired as part of the Gibson trade with Detroit that was made on Saturday. There could be very pitched battle between the veteran netminders to see who gets to be the number two netminder for Anaheim.

Husso seemingly gained confidence with his strong showings in the AHL. However, he still thinks he can be a goalie that can contribute at the NHL level.