Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is actively weighing the addition of a seasoned backup goaltender to support Michal Postava, whose strong rookie performance with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins has raised expectations but also highlighted his limited NHL readiness.
Yzerman’s priority is to maintain flexibility, ensuring the organization can shift between the NHL and AHL without sacrificing depth. The ideal candidate must be comfortable in both environments and capable of providing mentorship to the team’s emerging prospect, Trey Augustine.
A Strategic Search
Among the names circulating in the market, Eric Comrie and Pheonix Copley stand out for their combined AHL and NHL experience. Both have previously navigated contract situations that paid less than $1 million in the previous season, making them financially sensible options for a team mindful of cap constraints.
Veterans such as James Reimer and Petr Mrazek, while respected, are unlikely to accept a role that demotes them to the AHL, according to Yzerman’s public comments. This leaves Comrie and Copley as the most plausible fits, each bringing a blend of reliability and developmental value.
If Postava continues to excel, he is slated to open the season as part of a tandem partnership, sharing duties with the newly signed veteran. This arrangement would allow the coaching staff to manage minutes carefully while giving Postava the chance to prove himself at the highest level.
The broader implication is that a depth‑focused signing could shape Detroit’s goaltending landscape for years to come, blending youthful upside with veteran steadiness. Yzerman’s measured approach reflects a desire to build a resilient netminding corps that can weather the rigors of an 82‑game schedule.