The Detroit Red Wings are sitting on a goaltending goldmine, and fans have every reason to be excited about what’s brewing between the pipes. With Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine in the pipeline, Detroit’s future in net is looking as bright as it has in years.
Let’s start with Cossa. The 15th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft has been nothing short of stellar for the Grand Rapids Griffins this season.
He’s not just playing well-he’s anchoring the best team in the AHL. The Griffins are rolling with a 35-7-2-1 record, and Cossa’s fingerprints are all over that success.
A 20-4-2 record, a 1.99 goals-against average, a .928 save percentage, and four shutouts? That’s elite territory.
This isn’t a one-off, either. For the second straight year, Cossa earned AHL All-Star honors and took part in the league’s skills competition. That kind of consistency, especially in a league known for its grind and unpredictability, speaks volumes about where his game is at-and where it’s heading.
Cossa’s also playing with the urgency of a player who knows what’s at stake. He’s in a contract year, and he made it clear back in training camp that he came into this season with a purpose.
“It’s a contract year for me, so a big year,” Cossa said in September. “I had a really good summer, put in a lot of work.
I’m just trying to stay consistent throughout the year, get my shots when I can. Use the experience I’ve gained the past couple years to really push the pace and be the best version of myself.”
That mindset, combined with his physical tools and improved consistency, has turned him into a legitimate contender for a full-time NHL role next season. Whether that’s as Detroit’s backup or pushing for the starting job outright, Cossa will be in the mix when training camp rolls around.
Meanwhile, Trey Augustine is making his own mark at the collegiate level. The 41st overall pick in 2023 has been turning heads at Michigan State, recently tying former Red Wing Bob Essensa for eighth all-time in wins by a Spartans goaltender. That’s no small feat, especially for a young netminder still early in his development arc.
Augustine’s trajectory is promising, and while he might be a bit further away from NHL action than Cossa, his progress suggests that the Red Wings could have a formidable 1-2 punch in goal for years to come.
For a franchise looking to build sustainable success, having two high-end goalie prospects developing on parallel tracks is a rare and valuable asset. It’s not just about having depth-it’s about having options. And right now, Detroit has two goaltenders who are not only performing at a high level but also showing the kind of maturity and drive that bodes well for their future.
Steve Yzerman has never been one to rush his prospects, but with Cossa knocking on the NHL door and Augustine climbing the collegiate ranks, the Red Wings’ goaltending plan is starting to take shape. It’s early, but the signs are there: this could be the foundation of Detroit’s next great era in net.