The Detroit Red Wings are shaping up to be one of the NHL’s most intriguing teams to watch this offseason, largely due to their substantial cap space and a long playoff drought. Missing the postseason for nine consecutive seasons, the Red Wings are expected to be active in reshaping their roster. However, a key piece of their goaltending depth, Alex Lyon, is reportedly unlikely to return. According to NHL insider Max Bultman of The Athletic, Lyon is expected to test free agency, seeking a more prominent role elsewhere.
Lyon’s potential departure stems from the current goaltending depth chart in Detroit, which already includes veterans Cam Talbot and Petr Mrázek under contract for the 2025-26 season. Bultman notes that Lyon may be viewed as a third option in Detroit, despite having shown flashes of excellence. Given his performance and the league’s thin goalie market, Lyon could secure a tandem or backup role elsewhere, with a salary increase to match.
Last season, Lyon finished with a 14-9-1 record, a 2.81 goals-against average (GAA), and a .896 save percentage (SV%). While not elite numbers, they reflect a solid performance for someone often shuffled between backup and third-string duties. He just completed a two-year, $1.8 million deal with Detroit, and it’s clear he’s looking for a larger role moving forward—something the Red Wings may not be able to offer with Talbot and Mrázek anchoring the crease.
Goaltending struggles were a recurring theme for Detroit throughout the 2024-25 season, and head coach Todd McLellan didn’t shy away from highlighting that. He pointed to inconsistent performances in the net as a key reason the Red Wings fell short of a playoff berth again. The team has already taken action by parting ways with goalie coach Alex Westlund, signaling a broader shift in their approach to the position.
Looking ahead, Detroit is likely to begin next season with Talbot and Mrázek as their NHL goaltenders, but prospect Sebastian Cossa looms large. Currently developing in the AHL, Cossa is viewed as a future starter and could challenge for NHL minutes in the near future. The Red Wings’ front office must now decide whether to bridge the gap with veteran depth or accelerate Cossa’s development path.
In addition to the goaltending situation, Detroit faces several decisions regarding its pending free agents. General manager Steve Yzerman acknowledged during his year-end press conference that the organization must improve across all levels. While there is optimism about internal growth, Yzerman made it clear that accountability starts at the top. With the free agency window opening July 1, the Red Wings have time—but not much—to finalize their offseason blueprint and determine which players, including Lyon, will be part of their future.
