Stanley Cup Champion could solve Detroit's goaltending issues

Former champion Alexandar Georgiev is expected to hit the free agents market on July 1st as an unrestricted free agent, and the Red Wings may be one of the teams keeping a close eye. With Detroit finishing in the bottom 12 in team goals-against average last season, it's no surprise GM Steve Yzerman is prioritizing an upgrade in net, as noted by Jeff Marek of Daily Faceoff.

The Red Wings' current goalie unit is in need of restructuring. Other teams, like the Colorado Avalanche, have already shown how quickly a goaltending overhaul can bear fruit.

In December, they traded Georgiev to San Jose in a move that saw Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood arrive to stabilize their crease. The result? Colorado went from 29th in goals-against to 5th overall.

Unfortunately for Georgiev, his numbers took a hit behind San Jose's struggling defense, finishing with a .875 save percentage and a 3.88 GAA, both career-worsts. Still, this is a netminder who just three seasons ago posted a 40-16-6 record with a 2.53 GAA and had led the NHL in wins over a three-year span.

At 29, Georgiev remains an interesting option, especially as the Red Wings look to keep developing their top goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa.

New head coach Todd McLellan is known for installing strong defensive systems, and if Georgiev signs in Detroit, he could thrive again under that structure. McLellan helped shape top-tier defenses with both the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks.

Some critics argue Georgiev's best numbers came thanks to Colorado's system. But if McLellan can replicate a similar structure, Detroit could have a low-cost, high-upside solution in goal.