Ville Husso Bio
Ville Husso, born on 6 February 1995, is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing approximately 205 pounds, he has built his career as a steady and technically sound netminder. Husso began his professional career in 2013 and has represented his country in international competitions, including a gold medal at the 2014 World Junior Championships.
Early Life and Background
Ville Husso was born in Helsinki, Finland, where he grew up surrounded by a strong hockey culture that has produced many of the country’s top goaltenders. He began his career in the youth setup at HIFK, one of the most storied hockey clubs in Finland, developing his skills in the club’s junior system. Growing up in the Finnish capital gave him access to high-level coaching and competition from an early age, helping shape his technical approach to the position.
As he progressed through the HIFK youth ranks, Husso demonstrated the patience and poise that have become hallmarks of his game. He eventually made his debut with HIFK’s men’s team during the 2013–14 Liiga season, marking the start of his professional career. His rapid rise through the organization reflected both his athletic ability and the strong goaltending tradition within Finnish hockey development.
Path to Hockey
Husso’s path to professional hockey followed the typical Finnish development model, progressing from junior leagues to the top professional tier within HIFK’s organization. He reached the Liiga finals with HIFK in the 2015–16 season, where the team fell short against Tappara. During that standout season, he posted a .927 save percentage (SVS%) and a 1.91 goals against average (GAA), earning the Urpo Ylönen Award as the Goaltender of the Year. He also gained European experience by competing in the Champions Hockey League with HIFK.
His performances in the Finnish league caught the attention of National Hockey League scouts, and on 10 May 2016, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues. The contract marked the beginning of his North American career and set the stage for his eventual transition to the NHL.
Ville Husso Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Husso’s earliest professional years were spent with HIFK in the Finnish Liiga, where he quickly established himself as one of the league’s top young goaltenders. His statistics during the 2015–16 season demonstrated his readiness for the next level, as he helped lead HIFK to the Liiga finals while earning individual recognition. The Urpo Ylönen Award he received that year served as confirmation of his status among Finland’s elite goaltending prospects.
During his time in Helsinki, Husso also experienced the international club game through the Champions Hockey League. The exposure to varied playing styles and high-pressure matches helped prepare him for the demands of professional hockey beyond Finland.
St. Louis Blues Era (2016–2022)
After attending the Blues’ 2016 training camp, Husso was assigned to the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, on 29 September 2016. He made his North American debut with the Wolves against the Grand Rapids Griffins on 15 October, beginning the 2016–17 season. Through his first two AHL games, he posted a .914 SVS% and a 2.53 GAA before being reassigned to the Missouri Mavericks of the ECHL on 26 October.
Husso thrived with the Mavericks, and on 23 December, he earned his first professional shutout with 33 saves in a 4–0 victory over the Wichita Thunder. He returned to the Chicago Wolves later that month and continued his strong play, posting a .925 SVS% and a 2.21 GAA over five games. On 20 July 2019, the Blues re-signed Husso to a one-year, two-way contract extension.
The 2021–22 season marked Husso’s true NHL breakthrough. He began the year as the backup to Jordan Binnington but gradually took over the starting position as the season progressed, finishing with a 25–7–6 record and a .919 SVS%. The Blues qualified for the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, where Husso started the first-round series against the Minnesota Wild. Although he struggled early in the series and Binnington reclaimed the net, Husso returned to the starter’s role when Binnington was injured during the second round against the Colorado Avalanche. The Blues were eliminated in six games, with Husso posting an .890 SVS% in the postseason.
Detroit Red Wings Era (2022–2025)
On 8 July 2022, Husso was traded at the 2022 NHL entry draft to the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a third-round draft pick. He was immediately signed by the Red Wings to a three-year, $14.25 million contract. Husso made an immediate impact in his regular season debut with Detroit on 14 October, stopping all 29 shots he faced in a 3–0 shutout victory over the Montreal Canadiens.
Anaheim Ducks Era (2025–Present)
In the midst of his final season under contract with the Red Wings in 2024–25, Husso split the year between Detroit and its AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. On 25 February 2025, he was traded by Detroit to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for future considerations. He was assigned to remain in the AHL and report to the San Diego Gulls.
Driving Style and Strengths
Throughout his career, Husso has been recognized for his technical soundness and calm presence in the net, characteristics rooted in his Finnish goaltending development. His large frame at 6 feet 3 inches allows him to cover significant portions of the net, while his consistent tracking of the puck and positional discipline have helped him post strong save percentages at multiple levels. His ability to adapt to different teams and systems has also been a defining trait of his professional journey.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Husso’s most memorable career moments came on 31 January 2021, when he recorded his first NHL win in a 4–1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. Just months later, on 12 May 2021, he notched his first NHL shutout in a 4–0 win over the Minnesota Wild. His transition from the Finnish Liiga to the NHL, capped by his 2021–22 breakout season with the St. Louis Blues, stands as the defining milestone of his career to date.
Ville Husso Career Wins
Ville Husso’s career wins span multiple leagues, from his early days in the Finnish Liiga with HIFK to his NHL successes with the St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings. His victories in international competition, including the 2014 World Junior Championships, round out a resume that reflects steady progression through every level of professional hockey.
Liiga Highlights
During his time with HIFK in the Finnish Liiga, Husso established himself as a winning goaltender, highlighted by the 2015–16 season in which he led the club to the Liiga finals. That year, his individual excellence earned him the Urpo Ylönen Award as the Goaltender of the Year, cementing his reputation as one of the top netminders in the league.
NHL Highlights
Husso’s first NHL win came on 31 January 2021 against the Anaheim Ducks, and he went on to post a 25–7–6 record during his breakout 2021–22 campaign with the St. Louis Blues. With the Detroit Red Wings, he opened his tenure with a 3–0 shutout of the Montreal Canadiens on 14 October 2022, demonstrating his ability to deliver in pressure situations.
Other Wins and Performances
Husso recorded his first professional shutout on 23 December 2016, making 33 saves in a 4–0 victory over the Wichita Thunder while playing for the Missouri Mavericks of the ECHL. His gold medal at the 2014 World Junior Championships, earned while serving as a backup to Juuse Saros, remains one of the defining achievements of his early international career.
Ville Husso Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Detailed public information about Ville Husso’s family background is limited. He grew up in Helsinki, Finland, and developed his hockey skills within the HIFK system, a club deeply rooted in Finnish hockey tradition. The strong Finnish goaltending lineage, which has produced numerous NHL-caliber players, has played an influential role in shaping his development.
Personal Life
Ville Husso keeps his personal life largely private, and limited verified details are available regarding his relationships or family outside of hockey. His professional focus has remained centered on his career, with his time divided between Finland and North America since signing with the St. Louis Blues in 2016.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024–25 season presented challenges for Ville Husso, as he split the year between the Detroit Red Wings and the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL. His playing time with Detroit was limited, but the experience allowed him to maintain his readiness at the professional level. On 25 February 2025, the Red Wings traded him to the Anaheim Ducks, who assigned him to the San Diego Gulls of the AHL.
Heading into the remainder of the 2025 calendar year, Husso’s focus has shifted to the Anaheim Ducks organization, where he continues to work on his game in the AHL. His contract, which runs through 2025, places him in a transitional period as he works toward reestablishing himself as an NHL contributor.
With Anaheim’s goaltending depth in flux, Husso has an opportunity to demonstrate his value within the Ducks’ system. His track record of strong performances in pressure situations, including playoff appearances with the St. Louis Blues, suggests he remains a capable option should the need arise at the NHL level.