Detroit Red Wings 2021 First Rounders Could Be Show Stoppers

Steve Yzerman’s initial first rounders, Moritz Seider (2019) and Lucas Raymond (2020), have proven themselves to be difference-makers in their first two months in the NHL.

His next two first rounders,  Simon Edvidsson (2021) and Sebastian Cossa (2021) look like they have the potential to do the same.

“(Edvinsson is) a natural leader who is noticeable in the locker room,” said a Swedish source. “He acts like a mini-coach on the bench, always yelling instructions at his team mates on the ice, often sitting on the board, not on the bench.”

Edvinsson is expected to be a key player for Sweden’s National Junior team later this month. He has 12 points in 24 games as a puck-moving defenseman for Frolunda in the Swedish. At 18, he played 21 minutes, 46 seconds in Frolunda’s last game.

Since Yzerman took over, the Red Wings’ are tight-lipped about their future plans, but there is talk around the league about the possibility that Edvinsson will be given a shot to play in the NHL next season. Edvinsson and Seider are about the same size — 6-foot-4, 205 pounds. But Edvinsson is more of a risk-taker. He does make more mistakes than NHL coaches like. But he’s figuring out what he should and shouldn’t do.

The combo of Edvinsson and Seider will simply not be fair against the rest of the NHL. #LGRW https://t.co/mLXLRQJR8O

— Josh Van Dam (@joshvandam) December 12, 2021

And what’s his personality like? “He’s a very funny guy,” our Swedish source said.

Cossa Piling Up Wins

Cossa, meanwhile, continues to dominate for the Edmonton Oil Kings in the Western Hockey League. He’s 11-3-3 with a 2.24 goals-against average and .924 save percentage. In parts of three season in the WHL, he has played 73 games. His record is 53-10-7.

Cossa has overwhelming confidence, which should help him reach the NHL sooner.

The 6-foot-6 netminder will play for Canada at the WJC. He recently made 29 saves to lead Canada to a 3-0 triumph against the USport All-Stars Saturday night.

It’s likely Cossa will start in Grand Rapids next season. But it seems possible he could end up with some games in Detroit, depending upon injuries.

GAME OVER! Connor Bedard scores again in the 3rd period and @SebastianCossa finishes a 29-save shutout as 🇨🇦 blanks @USPORTSca 3-0 in the camp opener.

📊 https://t.co/V646lTpZqU#WorldJuniors | #OurGameIsBack pic.twitter.com/JfWt8Ihf9m

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 12, 2021