Cossa Paid His Dues to Arrive at the NHL’s Doorstep

The Detroit Red Wings didn’t sign a third veteran NHL goalie to be in the mix this season and veteran Jack Campbell also wasn’t re-signed to be the insurance goalie in Grand Rapids this season.

It’s what GM Steve Yzerman didn’t do that the provides a vote of confidence for Red Wings 6-foot-6 prospect goalie Sebastian Cossa. He came into the Detroit training camp knowing he’s the organization’s No. 3 goalie, meaning he’s an injury from being in Detroit.

“I’m the highest on the depth chart that I’ve ever been going into camp here,” Cossa said. ” That’s good. But at the end of the day, I still got to put the work in, you know, still have to play.”

The Red Wings are prepared to give him the opportunity to show what he can do. “He’ll play in the preseason — there is no doubt about that,” Detroit coach Todd McLellan said. “And (Michal) Postava should get some games too, or parts of games. We’ve got to find out a little bit about him. But Cossa’s coming into a really, really important year for himself. At this point, he’s the guy.”

Cossa Starting Fourth Pro Season

John Gibson and Cam Talbot are the presumptive tandem that will start the season, but it is hard to imagine that Cossa won’t get some games at the NHL level. He played in one game last season.  With Talbot now 38, and Gibson, 32, the Red Wings know the future is now, or at least very soon for Cossa. He doesn’t turn 23 until November, but he is starting his fourth professional season. He has paid his dues with 84 AHL games, 46 ECHL games (with Toledo), and one NHL game.

“We have a lot of confidence in him,” McLellan said. “Our coaching staff has been following his progress. (Assistant coach) Trent Yawney and I both watched the (Griffins) playoff games, and he’s been up and practicing with us. There’s a lot of early familiarity. I think he’s going to be a hell of a player. We just have to give him more time to develop.”

Cossa aims to show more consistency, a hallmark of top goalies. The Red Wings don’t think he’s ready for the show but believe he’s close.

“I didn’t have the best second half last year, wasn’t happy with the playoff performance,” Cossa said. “There’s a bit of a chip on the shoulder when it comes to that. “(I want) to prove I can play at a really high level in the AHL and hopefully get a shot (at the NHL).”

Cossa said he knows he still must prove he’s worthy to be the organization’s No. 3 goalie. “It’s step by step,” he said. “I’m happy where I am right now, just continue to push it.”