Detroit Red Wings
The Daily: Did Red Wings Err by Not Drafting Wallstedt?; Guimond Wins Again
As Jesper Wallstedt continues to establish a new standard for rookie Minnesota Wild goalies, it’s hard to forget that the Detroit Red Wings had their choice between Wellstedt and Sebastian Cossa at the 2021 draft.
The Red Wings claimed Cossa with the 15th pick, even though Wellstedt was the consensus higher-rated goalie. The Wild drafted Wallstedt five picks later. Detroit had made a trade with Dallas to move up to 15 to land a goalie. The Red Wings gave up pick No. 23 (originally acquired from Washington), a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick for No. 15. By the way, Dallas used the No. 23 pick to land Wyatt Johnston who has already scored 100 NHL goals.
Cossa, 23, is still considered a top prospect, but Wallstedt, 23, has been spectacular this season with Minnesota. He beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-0 with 32 saves Sunday for his third shutout in eight games this season. He is the fourth-youngest NHL goalie to earn his team points in eight consecutive games to start a season. Wallstedt owns a 1.94 GAA this season.
An interesting aspect of Wallstedt’s strong play this season is that he wasn’t impressive last season in the AHL. He owned a 3.59 GAA and .879 save percentage. A goalie’s development isn’t always predictable. For example, Cossa’s AHL numbers (49-48-14, 2.69 GAA and .911) are better than Wallstedt’s AHL numbers (49-48, 2.90 GAA, .902). Cossa is 3-2 against Wallstedt when their teams have faced each other.
Cossa hasn’t yet received the NHL opportunity that Wallstedt now enjoys. Meanwhile, Cossa ha one NHL game on his resume. With a 1.67 GAA and .940 save percentage in the AHL in the early going this season, maybe Cossa’s shot is on the horizon.
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Yes, they did err. It was said so at the time and still appears to be correct. Facts need to be stated here. Although there is a chance they are wrong, Cossa’s ceiling is seen by many in the game as that of a career backup. His game is still in need of much work. Lets not sugarcoat things.
Nothing has been proven yet. Also Wallstet is on a much better team than Cossa would play for. Let’s wait until he gets as much NHL time as Wallstet .
I believe they made a mistake. Wallstedt was the stud at the time. What changed in Yzerman’s mind is not known. But having said this I wish they would give Cossa a chance to see what he could do, although if we had Wallstedet Yzerman may still have him in the minors. Time will tell on this one.
No. Wallstedt was absolutely horrible last year. Cosa was OK. Long term, Cossa is really very good down low. He has shown some issues 5 hole. He is hard working by all accounts and confident. Wallstedt may have caught lightning in a bottle this year. If 3 years from now he is elite then so be it. Track record folks and not slight glimpses which is what we have now. Especially when it comes to goalies.
Meh…don’t know about that. Cossa’s post to post movement is considered substandard for the NHL. Also he is consistently vulnerable top shelf, when he plays on his knees. As far as five-hole most goalies have that issue.
I’ve been saying that constantly that Draper made a mistake. Even when the pic was announced my opinion was that it was a mistake. All I get is arguments here about how the you can’t compare because the other team is better. That’s nonsense. Fact of that the matter is yes you can compare. When if ever will Cossa show enough to play like that in the NHL? Until he does yep… Bad mistake Draper.
Sorry try again Rink. The team he plays for makes a huge diff. Who made u a goalie coach?
Agree. Good teams don’t make good goalies, good goalies make good teams. Case in point is the Oilers. Great team but doesn’t make Skinner good. Another case in point, Carey Price. Montreal didn’t make him great but he made that very poor hockey team respectable. Patrick Roy done even more before him. Took a team that probably wouldn’t have made the post season and won Lord Stanley. JMO
I’ve seen it work both ways Obie. I actually learned more about Chris Osgood by watching him play for the Islanders and Blues than the Wings. He had to do more for those teams than Detroit.
I respect you opinion TR but don’t share it. I’ve seen good teams with mediocre goolies that went nowhere, ( the Wings of the early and mid 90’s are an example) but have seen many very average teams go very far with great goaltending . How many Cups did Montreal win with average teams with the likes of Roy/ Dryden in the net, or the Flyers against the big Boston teams with Esposito, Orr,etc when B Parent stood on his head to win. As I posted earlier I’ve seen goolies make average teams great and also seen great teams get screwed by mediocre goal tending. Good discussion all the same. TKS
Obie u make a good point. I have seen it both ways as I said Have a good turkey day . Enjoy the discussion also. TR
Wallstedt should of been the pick. No question. But detroit has 5 quality goalie prospects with potentially the top Goalie Prospect in Augustine. I think Yzerman new he made a mistake. Started drafted Augustine, Guimond, Pradel and signing Postava. Im not worried now with all that talent. But Wallstedt at the time was considered way better than Cossa.
Sure easy to beat on Draper, et al when draft picks aren’t an exact science at all. Easy to be critical. Holland picked Jhonas Enroth, Chase Perry and Daniel Larsson… cricket chirps anyone?
Cossa was #1 ranked North American goalie by NHL Central Scouting. Most had Wallstedt in the top 10. For sure, tough call.
the Wings were traumatized by monster goalies (Renne, Bishop) who exited them when the Wings has far superior skaters. It’s time to prove Y right, or betray the Wings family compact.
Ask me in 10 years