Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman spoke glowingly about prospect goaltender Michal Postava's first season with the organization on Saturday.
While the Detroit Red Wings had originally envisioned goaltender Sebastian Cossa as potentially anchoring their crease for years to come, that hope officially ended on Friday.
Cossa, whom the Red Wings selected in the first round (15th overall pick) of the 2021 NHL Draft, was traded to the Utah Mammoth in return for the 23rd overall pick, which was then used to select forward J.P. Hurlbert.
Cossa was no longer waivers-exempt, and is still in need of a new contract as a pending restricted free agent.
Meanwhile, the Red Wings welcomed a new goaltender into their system from Czechia last offseason, and he made the most of his opportunity in Grand Rapids. Michal Postava earned the bulk of the starts down the stretch for the Griffins and was given the starting responsibilities in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Ultimately finishing with a 17-6 record with a 1.71 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage during regular season play, Postava could very well earn himself a full-time job in Detroit next season if he impresses enough in Training Camp.
Unlikely to retain veteran Cam Talbot, GM Steve Yzerman said that while the club is "very impressed" with how Postava performed, he is still coming off of what was his first year in North America and the club could potentially look to free agency to fill the backup role behind John Gibson.
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“Regarding Michal, we’re very impressed with the season he had last year and the playoffs,” Yzerman said. “Having said that, it’s just his first year over here. We’ll look at all various options leading into free agency (starting Wednesday) and the off-season and decide what is the best option.”
Postava is signed for one more season with a $975,000 salary cap hit.
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