Discouraging update released on Ville Husso

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso has been a workhorse for his team this season, having already started in a career high 51 games in his first year in the Motor City after the trade from St. Louis last summer. And while he's mostly been a reliable last line of defense, he hasn't been without the occasional subpar outing. 

Of course, we know that's just how it is in the world of professional sports. But unfortunately for Husso, the wear and tear of a career high games played may be getting to him. He was unavailable to play in yesterday's game at home against his former Blues teammates, and according to reports from today, he may not be ready to go any time soon. He's currently still being evaluated for a lower body ailment, and the team has yet to provide a timetable for a potential return. 

In the meantime, Detroit has brought back up goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic from the American Hockey League Grand Rapids Griffins, and he'll be making his first start tomorrow afternoon since December 8.

"It's unfortunate Hus is dealing with something, you never want to see anyone get hurt, but that's the job," Nedeljkovic said. "I'm just thankful for the opportunity.

"Obviously I'm playing for a new contract and trying to play for the guys in front of me. Have success personally, but also win games. It's so much better when you win games and you come in the locker room and the music is playing and everyone is having fun."

Nedeljkovic, who was waived and sent to the minors earlier this season after struggling, has been working on getting his game back in order with the Griffins. As he explained, he's playing for a new contract, given the fact that he's in the final year of his current deal. And he's going to try and do everything possible to show that he can still be an effective player at the NHL level that made Detroit want to acquire him from Carolina in 2021. 

"There's 11 games and we're mathematically we're still in the playoff hunt," Nedeljkovic said. "But you're always playing for something, it doesn't matter if it's Game 82 or whatever it is. Every day is a chance to get better and prove something.

"I've felt really good, especially the last two- and-a-half, three weeks. I felt like I've gotten back to myself, gotten back to what has worked for me in the past and what has made me successful."