Yzerman Not Ruling Out Adding Third Goalie

Even with John Gibson as the Detroit Red Wings’ presumptive No. 1, GM Steve Yzerman isn’t ruling out adding a third goalie.

“It is something we will consider,” Yzerman said. “John’s cap hit ($6.4 million) is bigger than Petr Mrazek’s ($4.75 million). So that changes our cap a little bit.”

The advantage of three goalies is the third goalie serves as an insurance policy against injury. Plus,  a coach has another option if one of goalies endures a slump. The negative of carrying three goalies is that there are only two nets in practice. That means one goalie is standing around.

Also, even in a three goalie system, there’s usually a top two.  It’s challenging for the third man to stay sharp.

It seemed to be advantageous to the Red Wings last season with Cam Talbot, Alex Lyon and Ville Husso.

“Determining whether we carry a third — or can carry a third for that matter, will be determined by what, if anything we do over the course of the offseason,” Yzerman said.

If they make a couple of big moves, they simply may not have the cap space to carry a third netminder.

“But certainly not opposed to it,” Yzerman said. “… (The) majority of team don’t do it. Really wasn’t our, as we’ve talked about before, but it’s been kind of a necessity and it’s helped us.”

Don’t Rule Out Alex Lyon

If the Red Wings don’t sign a third, that would leave Sebastian Cossa and newly-signed Czech goalie Michal Postava competing to be the third goalie from the Grand Rapids Griffins roster. The Red Wings have Carter Gylander under contract, but he could be with the Toledo Walleye. Detroit draft pick Jan Bednar, who has played well for the Walleye, is now with a Finnish team.

Yzerman isn’t ruling out Alex Lyon coming back as a third goalie in Detroit if he goes in that direction.

“I’ve been trading calls all week with his agent,” Yzerman said. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to him. I will. My plan is to circle back with them.”

The Red Wings and Lyon expressed interest in Lyon possibly continuing in Detroit in a three-person system, although no promises made.

“Out of respect and interest, I will be planning on speaking with them,” Yzerman said.