Cossa Called Up to Red Wings “Under Emergency Conditions”

In a move that undoubtedly is pleasing many Detroit Red Wings fans, general manager Steve Yzerman called up 6-foot-7 prize goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa from the Grand Rapids Griffins “under emergency conditions.”

It’s unknown whether Cossa, 22, was called up to be the starter or backup in Detroit’s game against the Colorado Avalanche tonight (9 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network).

The Red Wings haven’t said what’s going on. Rumors began to spread this morning because Cossa was seen with his hockey gear in the Grand Rapids airport.

Cossa at the airport in Grand Rapids headed to Colorado tonight #lgrw (via u/kvark27) pic.twitter.com/ga9GELvuCU

— Champagne Athletics (@champletics) March 25, 2025

Petr Mrazek had to leave last night’s 5-1 win against the Utah Hockey Club early in the first period. After the game, coach Todd McLellan said injured Mrazek will not be available for tonight’s game.

Cossa 1-0 as NHLer

The call-up would suggest that either Alex Lyon or Cam Talbot is also injured or ill. Lyon was the winning goalie in Monday’s win, and Talbot didn’t play. There was no indication that Lyon was hurt last night.

The Griffins are scheduled to play Wednesday night at home against the Dallas Stars. If this is a one-game stay and Cossa is the backup tonight, the Red Wings are flying home tonight. In theory, he could play for the Griffins tomorrow.

But if both Mrazek and another goalie are going on the injured list, then Cossa could become a factor in a playoff race.

As general rule, NHL teams don’t like to play 22-year-old goalies. You don’t see 22-year-old goalies playing often in the NHL, although it certainly has happened.

Cossa was called up earlier this season, and made his NHL debut in a relief effort on Dec. 9 at the Buffalo Sabres. He claimed a 6-5 shootout victory behind 12 saves and two stops in the shootout. He became the first netminder in NHL history to win his debut via a shootout in a relief effort.