Red Wings goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa wants to take the next step

DETROIT -- As goalie Sebastian Cossa continues to chase his goal of playing in the NHL, the Detroit Red Wings prospect knows he must earn every opportunity along the way.

After an impressive 2021-22 season with the Western Hockey League's Edmonton Oil Kings, Cossa made his professional debut with Detroit's American Hockey League-affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins on Oct. 19, 2022.

"It's a big step up," Cossa said about the AHL on July 3. "Just one that I wanna continue taking in my development, just keep getting better. I need to prove that I can be there first, then hopefully I can have a good season there."

Cossa spent most of his 2022-23 campaign with the Red Wings' ECHL-affiliate Toledo Walleye, posting a 26-16-4 record with a 2.56 goals-against average, .913 save percentage and four shutouts in 46 regular-season games. The 20-year-old netminder also appeared in three games for Grand Rapids.

"I didn't really know what to expect going down there," said Cossa, who was Detroit's 15th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. "It was tougher than what I thought. I had some ups and downs along the way but had a strong second half and a good push in the playoffs there."

Cossa said a key part of his development will be learning how to use his 6-foot-6, 229-pound frame to his advantage.

"I'm a big guy," he said. "Sometimes, I don't have to be at the top of my crease to make saves. It's more realizing the game and getting used to that level."

The Fort McMurray, Alberta native also wants to increase his focus and ability to track pucks.

"Guys are bigger at the pro level and know how to use their body a little bit better," Cossa said. "In the second half, I started to feel more comfortable and confident in it."

Reuniting with former Toledo head coach Dan Watson in Grand Rapids next season would be special, according to Cossa. On June 14, Watson was named the 12th head coach in Griffins franchise history.

"He's definitely a players coach," Cossa said about Watson. "Very personable with the players and everyone there is willing to run through a wall for him. Guys like him a lot, obviously the technical side as well."

Red Wings assistant director of player development Dan Cleary said Cossa has a real chance to make the jump to a full-time role in the AHL in 2023-24.

"He had a good run in Toledo, a good team," Video: Sebastian Cossa | Media Availability | 07/03/23. "Cossa is gonna be here (in Detroit) working on his game with (head of goaltending scouting and development) Phil (Osaer).

"For Cossa, it's gonna be the consistency in getting his mind right every day."