Sebastian Cossa Keeps Dominating in AHL - Is It Time for the Red Wings to Give Him a Look?
The Detroit Red Wings haven’t exactly been locking it down in net this season. Ranked 28th in the NHL in save percentage and 25th in goals-against average, it’s clear that goaltending has been a sore spot. But down in Grand Rapids, one of the organization’s top prospects is making a serious case for a call-up.
Sebastian Cossa, the 23-year-old former first-round pick, is on a heater. He turned aside 26 shots to lead the Griffins to a 1-0 win over the Iowa Wild, recording his second shutout of the season and improving his record to a sparkling 8-1. That performance earned him first-star honors on the night, and it’s just the latest in a string of strong outings.
“Every start he has given us an opportunity to win every game,” Griffins head coach Dan Watson said. “He’s working extremely hard in practice and it’s paying off for him.”
That hard work is showing up in the numbers. Cossa now owns a 1.56 goals-against average and a .942 save percentage-both elite marks at any level.
He’s unofficially slotted as Detroit’s No. 3 goalie, and the expectation coming into the season was that he’d likely see some NHL time. With the way he’s playing, that time might be coming sooner rather than later.
A Consistent Cossa Is a Dangerous Cossa
Consistency has been the key for Cossa this season. He’s allowed two or fewer goals in seven of his nine starts-a level of steadiness that eluded him during stretches last year.
While he started strong in 2024-25, his game dipped in the second half and into the AHL playoffs. This season, though, he looks more composed, more mature, and more in control.
At 6-foot-7, Cossa’s size has always been one of his calling cards, but now he’s pairing that physical presence with sharper reads and better rebound control. That’s a scary combination for opposing shooters and a very promising sign for the Red Wings.
And let’s be honest-Detroit’s current NHL tandem hasn’t exactly slammed the door. Cam Talbot’s save percentage sits at .885, and John Gibson’s is even lower at .865.
With the league average hovering around .897, those numbers just aren’t cutting it. Cossa, meanwhile, is making it look easy in the AHL.
The question is: how much longer do the Red Wings wait?
The Development Dilemma
Of course, it’s not as simple as just calling him up. The Red Wings have to weigh the long-term development of their top goaltending prospect against the short-term need for better play in net.
Detroit’s defense has been inconsistent-at times downright leaky-and there’s a valid concern about throwing a young goalie into that kind of environment. Would it accelerate his growth?
Or could it derail his momentum?
Cossa did get a taste of the NHL last season, stepping in for a 45-minute relief appearance against the Sabres and walking away with a win. But that was a one-off. The question now is whether he’s ready for a more sustained opportunity-and whether Detroit’s current situation gives him the best chance to succeed.
Next Man Up in Grand Rapids?
If the Red Wings do decide to bring Cossa up, the Griffins have options. Carter Gylander, who’s bounced between the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye and Grand Rapids this season, has impressed in limited action.
He’s 4-0-1 with the Griffins and could step into a bigger role if needed. Meanwhile, Michal Postava was playing at a high level before suffering an injury.
There’s still no timeline for his return, but he remains in the mix once healthy.
Don’t Forget About John Leonard
Cossa wasn’t the only standout in the Griffins’ 1-0 win. The game-winner came off the stick of John Leonard, who notched his league-leading 15th goal of the season.
Leonard, 27, has NHL experience with three different teams-San Jose, Nashville, and Arizona-but has yet to find a permanent home. That could change if Detroit needs forward help due to injuries.
Leonard’s scoring touch has been undeniable. After piling up 44 goals between the regular season and playoffs with the Charlotte Checkers last year, he’s picked up right where he left off. If the Red Wings are looking for a spark, he might be worth a look.
The Bottom Line
Sebastian Cossa is doing everything you could ask of a top goaltending prospect. He’s winning games, shutting teams out, and showing the kind of consistency that separates NHL starters from AHL standouts. With Detroit struggling to keep the puck out of the net, the timing might be right to see what he can do at the next level.
But it’s a delicate balance. The Red Wings have to decide whether the NHL is the right place for Cossa right now-or if a little more seasoning in Grand Rapids is the smarter move.
Either way, one thing’s clear: Cossa is knocking on the door. And he’s knocking hard.