Red Wings Banking on Smoother Transition for Latest European Free-Agent Goalie Signing…see more…
Detroit hopes for better adaptation after mixed results with past European additions
In a move aimed at bolstering organizational depth between the pipes, the Detroit Red Wings have signed 25-year-old Finnish goaltender Henrik Saarinen, a highly regarded free agent from the Liiga, Finland’s top professional league. After watching several European goalie experiments falter in recent years, Detroit’s front office is optimistic that Saarinen’s North American transition will buck the trend — and perhaps even pay dividends at the NHL level sooner rather than later.
The 6-foot-3 netminder posted a stellar 2.04 goals-against average (GAA) and a .926 save percentage last season with TPS Turku, garnering attention from multiple NHL clubs. But it was the Red Wings — a team increasingly turning to European markets for value — who made the strongest pitch. Saarinen signed a one-year, two-way entry-level contract reportedly worth $925,000 at the NHL level, with a guaranteed AHL salary near $200,000.
While the deal might seem low-risk, the implications could be significant for a franchise trying to solidify its future goaltending depth chart.
A Calculated Gamble
Detroit’s front office, led by GM Steve Yzerman, has had mixed results with European goaltenders in the past. Czech goaltender Joren van Pottelberghe never crossed over to the NHL, and Swedish prospect Jesper Eliasson faded out of the system. Even the promising Filip Larsson, who starred at the University of Denver, struggled to find consistency in North America.
Still, Yzerman isn’t shying away from the overseas market — especially when value and upside align.
“Henrik has played at a very high level in Finland the past two seasons,” Yzerman said in a team press release. “His size, poise, and technical foundation make him an intriguing option as he begins to adapt to the smaller North American ice.”
Learning from Past Struggles
Goaltenders making the jump from Europe to North America often face steep learning curves. The smaller ice surface, faster pace, and more chaotic net-front play can be difficult adjustments for goalies accustomed to the more methodical and structured style in European leagues.
“Some guys make the switch quickly, while others never quite get comfortable,” said Grand Rapids Griffins head coach Dan Watson, who’s expected to oversee Saarinen’s development at the AHL level. “It’s not just the ice — it’s the lifestyle, the travel, the culture. But we’ve been more intentional with how we help guys adjust.”
That support system includes additional language services, mentor assignments with veteran players, and individualized coaching tailored to the transition process.
“We’ve learned from the past,” added Watson. “We’re not just dropping someone in and hoping it works out.”
A Path Through Grand Rapids
All signs point to Saarinen starting the 2025–26 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s AHL affiliate. With Sebastian Cossa slated to be the organization’s No. 1 AHL goalie, Saarinen is likely to begin as a backup or 1B option — at least initially.
That could change quickly if he impresses.
“I’m coming to North America to earn my chance,” Saarinen told Finnish media before flying to Detroit for summer training camp. “The Red Wings gave me the best opportunity — now it’s up to me to show I can make it work here.”
He also noted he had spoken with other Finnish NHLers, including former Red Wing Valtteri Filppula, about the adjustment process and what to expect.
“I know it’s different,” he said. “But I’ve worked hard for this.”
Bigger Implications for the Red Wings
The Red Wings currently have Ville Husso, Alex Lyon, and James Reimer under contract, though questions remain about the long-term future in net. Husso struggled with injury and consistency last season, Lyon filled in admirably but is more suited as a No. 2, and Reimer, a stopgap veteran, is on an expiring deal.
Detroit’s top prospect in net, Sebastian Cossa, made strides in his first full AHL campaign, but the organization is wary of rushing him. That leaves room for Saarinen to potentially carve out a role — or at the very least, push others in the system.
“We want internal competition,” Yzerman said. “It makes everyone better.”
If Saarinen adapts quickly, he could potentially leapfrog Jan Bednar and John Lethemon on the depth chart. And with Detroit pushing toward playoff contention, having a hot hand in Grand Rapids could be vital insurance.
Final Shot at the Big Time?
For Saarinen, this may be his best — and possibly final — shot to make it to the NHL. Though undrafted, he’s long been on the radar of European scouts and was once projected as a potential backup at the top level. If he performs well in Grand Rapids, a midseason call-up isn’t out of the question.
“Sometimes you find gold in unexpected places,” said one NHL scout familiar with Saarinen’s game. “He’s calm under pressure, technically sound, and he battles. That’s what you want.”
Saarinen himself remains focused and grounded.
“I’m not promising anything,” he said. “Only that I’ll work as hard as I ever have.”
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Looking Ahead
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Saarinen adapts to the pace, pressure, and physicality of North American hockey. If the Red Wings can finally land a European goalie who translates, it could be a pivotal piece in their long-term build — one that has seen its share of ups and downs in the crease.
And if Saarinen can be more than just another name on a list of failed transitions, he might just become one of Yzerman’s most underrated signings yet.
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Can Finnish goalie Henrik Saarinen succeed where others have struggled? The Red Wings hope their latest Euro signing finally makes the jump — and sticks.
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