Friday was supposed to mark the return of Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso. Recovering from a lower-body injury, he was set to play his first game for the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, the Red Wings’ top farm team.
However, Husso’s comeback plans were thwarted during the pre-game warmup. After facing some shots in the Griffins’ net, Husso left the ice before the warmup concluded. He was later seen speaking with the Griffins’ training staff.
When the Griffins took the ice for their game against the Rockford IceHogs, Sebastian Cossa started in goal, with Carter Gylander serving as the backup.
@DetroitRedWings goalie Ville Husso was scheduled to start for @griffinshockey & did take warm ups but then left the ice a bit early. We are told he will no longer start nor dress tonight. @SebastianCossa will now start, riding a personal franchise record 19 game point streak pic.twitter.com/EZFn4OdDmf
— Larry Figurski (@larryfigurski) April 12, 2024
“Ville Husso is unavailable for tonight’s game,” the Griffins announced on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). “Sebastian Cossa will be in net.”
Expected to be Detroit’s starting goaltender at the beginning of the season, Husso has only played in one NHL game since December. He suffered a lower-body injury during a game against the Anaheim Ducks on December 18 and missed the next 20 games while recovering.
After a successful rehab stint in Grand Rapids, which included a shutout against the Belleville Senators, Husso returned to the Red Wings’ net on February 13 against the Edmonton Oilers. Unfortunately, he sustained another lower-body injury just 8:48 into that game and had to leave.
Reflecting on his injury challenges earlier in the season, Husso acknowledged the difficulties but remained optimistic about his recovery. “It’s been tough, but it’s hockey,” he said. “I’ll be stronger when I come back.”