Atlantic Rivals Will Fight For Red Wings Misfit Alex Lyon

Alex Lyon will walk into free agency, as it appears Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings will make no effort to sign him before July. It's debatable whether or not he deserved a new deal, but it confirms our suspicions.

With the arrival of Petr Mrazek at the trade deadline, the crease was crowded, and Lyon found himself as the odd-man out in the lineup.

It's a probability that Lyon will end up re-signing with an Atlantic Division rival in July, as he won't be due a raise.

Here are three teams that could find use for Lyon in the net.

The Buffalo Sabres had an excellent run with James Reimer, but as he ages (he'll be 37 soon), he may find a chance to be a #2 in the crease as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will need a reliable backup. He could be a good stopgap until Devon Levi is ready to be promoted to the NHL. The Sabres could sign him and place him on waivers for reassignment to the AHL until he's needed, but another team could claim him if need be.

Though I don't honestly think he'll end up going through the same turmoil as Reimer did when he was waived by Anaheim and Buffalo.

If the Boston Bruins do end up trading Joonas Korpisalo, who has the potential to be a 1A goalie elsewhere, a spot may open up in Boston. Korpisalo has seen better days during his career, mainly in Columbus and Los Angeles. Since then, he's struggled to play like we've seen him do in his prime.

It may be why the Bruins are looking to trade him, after a pitiful .893 save percentage this season.

Lyon could be the backstop to Jeremy Swayman, who hasn't had a great backup, or even a 1B since Linus Ullmark. He could be a good placeholder until they promote Michael DiPietro or Brandon Bussi from the AHL.

Lyon could have an impact in the crease, as it looks like backup goalie Anton Forsberg will be hitting free agency. Lyon could find himself in a positive situation in the Canadian Tire Center, as he and Ullmark will need a reliable backup.

It's been some time since Ullmark has won the Vezina Trophy or split the crease in Boston. Someone like Lyon could ease the burden on his shoulders and make 25 appearances this year.

Could Steve Staios offer him a deal with term? We'll find out.