Red Wings Notebook: Husso Training For Heavy Workload

Goalie Ville Husso isn’t going to play for Finland at the World Championships because he plans to start next season immediately. At least, he’s going to start preparing for next season immediately.

“I’m actually going to be here all summer training here and hopefully have a good summer,” Husso said. “Next year play the same amount of games and when we make the playoffs, then play even more games. It’s going to be a good mental challenge but at the same time I need to be in better shape.”

Husso, 28, played 56 games this season, 14 more than he’s ever played in a professional season. Husso gave up 18 goals in his four games. He last only 12 minutes in one of those games against Dallas, and gave u three goals on five shots.

Ville Husso makes a save on Ross Colton in the 2nd period #TBLvsDET #GoBolts #LGRW pic.twitter.com/cGhmGNraHq

— nopClips (@nopClips) April 14, 2023

“I’m not happy how it ended and it’s something I need to improve for next year,” Husso said

That’s a long explanation for why Husso isn’t considering the worlds. Defenseman Olli Maatta will play for Finland and Lucas Raymond is joining the Finnish team.

“I was thinking about it, but probably not,” Husso said. “It’s going to be big year next year and I think I need to start focus for that.”

Lashoff Isn’t Leaving GR

Brian Lashoff has retired as a professional player, but you probably haven’t seen the last of him with the Griffins.

“We’ve had numerous talks with Lash,” Red Wings assistant general manager Shawn Horcoff said. “He’s gonna stay involved in Grand Rapids in some respect. We haven’t really finalized that yet. We want to give him some time to decompress here, sit with his family, talk it over with his family. But he’s done such an outstanding job for us it would be a valuable resource and a great addition for us if we were to bring him on the coaching staff in some capacity down there.”

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Knuble Future Undecided

Former Detroit Red Wings player Mike Knuble has been a part-time coach with the Griffins. Horcoff wants to see what he wants to do.

“I want to have some conversations with Mike,” Horcoff said. “Obviously he’s been in the organization a long time both as a player and on a part-time basis as a coach. Brian Lashoff is probably going to be coming in and filling a similar role to Mike but on a full-time basis. I want to talk to Mike, I want to pick his brain on the team, how we can get better. I value his position. And then just talk to him and see what he’s thinking. I think he’s earned that right and we’ll work through that process.”