Red Wings’ crowded crease likely to make free agent Alex Lyon odd man out

DETROIT The trade was a minor surprise when it was announced shortly before the conclusion of the March 7 deadline.When the Red Wings acquired goaltender Petr Mrazek (and forward Craig Smith) from Chicago for forward Joe Veleno, general manager Steve Yzerman was looking to improve the Wings depth with playoff tested veterans.Related ArticlesRed Wings hope a Griffins playoff run can pay dividends for prospectsRed Wings need better goaltending, still looking for workhorse to emergeSteve Yzerman defends his trade deadline work, holding on to Red Wings prospectsFinal Red Wings grades for the 2024-25 seasonProductive Patrick Kane, Red Wings appear headed to return engagementBut the goaltending? Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon had appeared to stabilize the position, though Lyon had been battling minor injuries.

Mrazek struggled in a rebuilding situation in Chicago, and didnt appear to be a significant upgrade.But, as Yzerman later pointed out, Mrazek did have one more year left on his contract (as does Talbot) and with NHL goaltending costing more than ever, the Wings liked the cost certainty involved.

The Wings were also confident a healthy Mrazek, returning to the organization that drafted him and playing in a city he enjoys, could revitalize his career.That left Lyon, a potential unrestricted free agent on July 1, as the third wheel for the remainder of this season and, seemingly, with not much of a future in Detroit.It was difficult for a minute, but its part of it and part of being a successful professional and successful goalie is being able to get through things like that mentally, Lyon said.

Ive been the third goalie on the roster for my whole career.

Its just something that you got to deal with.Lyon, 32, joined the Wings two seasons ago as a free agent, and proved himself to be an NHL-quality goaltender.Lyon went 35-27-6 in two seasons with a 3.09 goals-against average and .901 save percentage.

Lyon was 14-9-1 this season, with a 2.81 GAA and .896 SVS, but struggled in several important starts over the final six weeks.Coach Todd McLellans confidence in Lyon appeared to wane as the season progressed.With Mrazek and Talbot both under contract for next season, and former first-round pick Sebastian Cossa getting closer to being NHL ready, Lyon likely will have better options elsewhere where a more consistent NHL job might be available.Im happy I got to be a full-time NHL player for two years and I would like to continue to be in the NHL, Lyon said of his time with the Wings.

The only thing I can do is try to keep getting better and find ways to get more consistent.

I wish I could have played better here and helped get us into the playoffs this year.(Im) going to have to see the way the winds blow, and theres a lot of things that are kind of out of my control.

But its a great place to play and loved playing at LCA.Yzerman wouldnt rule out bringing back Lyon, who had several long stretches of top-level goaltending during his Wings tenure.

Lyon is also a popular teammate and is well-suited to back up.I met with Alex at the end of the season and had a very good discussion with him about a lot of things, Yzerman said.

Can we make it work? We havent had any discussions as far as a contract and thats the biggest stumbling block.

But around the league, you look at the number of injuries that goaltenders have, and weve dealt with it here.

Its not the plan to carry three goalies, its never been the plan, but we carry an extra forward, and I dont know what the big deal is carrying one extra goaltender.Well give it some thought.

Its an option.

Hes a real good person and played at times very well for us.The last two seasons in Detroit have been the Lyons first prolonged, consistent time in the NHL.

He played in Philadelphia, Carolina and Florida before signing with the Wings.

Lyons 74 games with the Wings nearly doubled the 39 games over six seasons, with the three previous teams.Lyon is appreciative of the opportunity the Wings gave him and wants to build on his career.I have it in me for sure, and Im going to get better; I dont feel satisfied at all, Lyon said.

I still feel very hungry.

I feel like a 24-year-old again.

I still want to keep improving and accomplish more.

Thats a big motivation for me.

I would like to accomplish more in this league and in hockey in general.

I just dont want to sit there and be like, Oh, what a great two years and won, played a lot of NHL games.

It just makes me hungrier and makes the fire bigger.Now more than ever, I feel like you just cant take for granted being and playing in the NHL.

Its difficult to get there and its more difficult to stay.

I would like to continue to be in the NHL..

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