Massive Boost As Two-Year Old Trade Officially a St. Louis Win

In early July 2022, the St. Louis Blues traded goaltender Ville Husso to the Detroit Red Wings. For two years post-trade, it was uncertain which team had benefited more. However, Husso being placed on waivers and sent to the minors has solidified a win for the Blues, who have also gained advantages in other areas from the trade.

Why Was the Trade Made?

When the trade occurred, Husso had just finished a breakout season with the Blues, achieving a 25-7-6 record, a .919 save percentage, and a 2.56 goals-against average. He became the starter after Jordan Binnington struggled, and although he began the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the number one goalie, he eventually struggled, leading to Binnington taking over. An injury to Binnington later required Husso to return to action, but he couldn’t prevent the team’s elimination.

Despite his playoff challenges, Husso had established himself as a starting-caliber NHL goalie. As an unrestricted free agent, he was poised for a significant contract. With the Blues already committed to Binnington and the Red Wings looking for a starter, the trade was made, and the Red Wings signed Husso to a $ 4.75 million annual deal.

How Have the Blues Benefited from the Trade?

Binnington vs. Husso

The Blues faced a decision between Husso and Binnington. They had considered re-signing Husso but ultimately reaffirmed their support for Binnington. Since the trade, Husso has achieved a .894 save percentage and a 3.25 goals-against average. In comparison, Binnington has managed a .903 save percentage with a 3.07 goals-against average. While neither goalie’s stats are outstanding, Binnington has performed well despite challenges with the team’s performance.

Overall, Binnington has continued to demonstrate his capability as a starting goalie, while Husso has struggled, affirming that the Blues made the correct choice in sticking with Binnington.

Joel Hofer

Had the Blues re-signed Husso, Joel Hofer wouldn’t have had the opportunity to step up with the team. In his first full season as the backup, Hofer registered a .913 save percentage and a 2.65 goals-against average, even earning starts late in the season while the Blues contested for a playoff position.

Binnington and Hofer have formed one of the top goalie tandems in the NHL, a scenario made possible by Husso’s departure. Hofer’s impressive play may warrant an extension to keep this partnership intact for several seasons.

Salary Cap Flexibility

Not re-signing Husso allowed the Blues to save approximately $4.75 mi ll i o nin c a p s p a ce, w hi c h t h eyco u l d re a ll oc a t ee l se w h ere in t h e i rros t er . N e w co m ersDy l an Ho ll o w a y an d A l e x an d re T e x i er t o g e t h ercos t ab o u t$ 3.4 million, while newly signed defenseman Ryan Suter is making $775, 000, an d Ho f er i s a l so a t$ 775,000.

For the price that the Red Wings are paying for Husso to play in the minors, the Blues have managed to acquire two forwards, one defenseman, and a backup goalie—each contributing to the team’s retooling.

Don’t Forget the Draft Pick

As part of the trade, the Blues received the 73rd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, which they used to select Aleksanteri Kaskimaki. A left-handed center, Kaskimaki is known for his speed and quick shot, having scored 48 points in 18 games in the 2019-20 Finland U-16 league.

Kaskimaki has yet to make his NHL debut, but he’s a player to watch as he continues his development. While it’s premature to compare him to Vladimir Tarasenko, he shows potential.

Overall, the Blues have reaped several benefits from the Husso trade. The thought that Kaskimaki could eventually join the NHL adds another layer of promise for the team.

Is This the Final Verdict?

The Red Wings have stated they haven’t given up on Husso, leaving the door open for his potential return to the NHL and a chance to contribute to their success. Should he help the Red Wings win a Stanley Cup, the front office could be celebrated similarly to the way the Blues were after acquiring Ryan O’Reilly.

That said, the Blues have already triumphed in this trade. Whether through financial flexibility, the emergence of Joel Hofer, or the potential of a promising draft pick, they have gained significantly from dealing Husso. This trade stands as another success for Blues general manager Doug Armstrong.

Well done, Army. Well done.