The Red Wings are off into free agency. According to reports, Steve Yzerman has signed goalies James Reimer and Alex Lyon. Reimer’s deal is reportedly one year, worth $1.5 million while Lyon got a two-year deal worth $900k AAV.
Reimer’s deal was reported by his agent on Twitter:
James Reimer signs with @DetroitRedWings for 1 year, 1.5 AAV pic.twitter.com/X5tJ1qcb0A
— Ray Petkau (@RayPetkau) July 1, 2023
PuckPedia reported Alex Lyon’s deal on Twitter as well:
The #LGRW signed 30 y/o UFA G Alex Lyon to 2 year $900K Cap Hit Deal
914 SV% in 15 GP
Rep'd by Pete Rutili @wassermanhockey https://t.co/iFVOB8LTW9
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 1, 2023
Reimer is coming off of a down year (12-21-8 with .890 SV%), which explains why he didn’t get much term. It’s a low-risk deal for a backup, and for a player who just turned 35. Lyon, who turns 31 in December, is coming off a solid season with the Florida Panthers. He went 9-4-2 with a .914 SV% in 15 regular-season appearances and then suited up for a handful of games in the playoffs.
I expect that both Lyon and Reimer will have to compete for the backup spot on the opening night roster. I would guess that the latter would have the edge to become Ville Husso’s backup.
