During a unique offseason, Detroit Red Wings fans are now on alert for potential player buyouts. Recently, the team avoided arbitration by signing restricted free agent Joe Veleno to a two-year contract extension worth $2.275 million annually, a significant raise for the forward.
This agreement has opened up an additional buyout window for the Red Wings, subject to certain conditions. General manager Steve Yzerman has a 48-hour period, starting Tuesday and ending Thursday, to buy out a player with an average salary exceeding $4 million annually.
Goaltender Ville Husso appears to be a prime candidate for a buyout following a couple of lackluster seasons. Last season was particularly rough for Husso, who struggled with performance and injuries. Initially acquired from the St. Louis Blues as a potential top goaltender, Husso’s performance declined, culminating in a disappointing 2022-23 season with a 3.11 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage. This past season, he played only 19 games, with a 3.55 goals-against average and a .892 save percentage. With one year left on his $4.75 million contract, a buyout would save Detroit $1.58 million, reducing their commitment to $3.166 million over two years.
Alternatively, Andrew Copp, who has three years left on his $5.625 million per year contract, could be considered for a buyout. Copp has underperformed since joining the team, with only 13 goals and 33 points in 79 games last season. However, buying out Copp, one of the team’s alternate captains, would be more financially burdensome, costing $10.92 million over six years but saving $5.48 million overall.
The Red Wings have already made significant moves to free up cap space, including trading Jake Walman and Robby Fabbri and letting veterans David Perron, Daniel Sprong, and Shayne Gostisbehere leave in free agency. They have added Vladimir Tarasenko, Erik Gustafsson, Tyler Motte, and signed Patrick Kane to a one-year deal. The team still needs to extend restricted free agents Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond.
The decision ultimately hinges on whether Yzerman values the extra cap flexibility or roster spot this season. As of now, it seems likely Detroit will again carry three goaltenders, with Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot, who signed a two-year deal this summer, set to be the top options. The team also signed Jack Campbell to a one-year deal for additional support in Grand Rapids, bringing NHL experience to mentor top prospect Sebastian Cossa.
