Former Red Wings Top 15 Pick Shines in Debut With Western Conference Club

While the Detroit Red Wings were off Saturday night, preparing for Sunday's matchup with the Winnipeg Jets, a familiar name made his debut elsewhere, much to the chagrin of Detroit fans tuning in.

Sebastian Cossa, the 15th overall pick by the Red Wings in 2021, made his first start for the Utah Mammoth and delivered a memorable one, stopping 17 of 18 shots in a 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Cossa was dealt to the Western Conference club at the draft, with Detroit receiving the 23rd overall pick in return that they would go on to use on forward J.P. Hurlbert.

The trade was not a popular one in Detroit as the Red Wings had a surplus of promising goaltending prospects, including Trey Augustine and Michal Postava, but Cossa had been posting franchise-best numbers with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit's AHL affiliate.

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In Utah, the 23-year-old Hamilton native appears to be in line for a backup role, where he will compete for starts with 30-year-old Karel Vejmelka, who is coming off a solid 38-win season.

Saturday's numbers weren't eye-popping, but holding a playoff hopeful like Columbus to a single goal is a strong showing for a goaltender making his first NHL start since his debut with the Red Wings in December 2024.

The win gave Cossa an early argument that his ceiling is as high as advertised and for Detroit fans it certainly stings.

With heartache already hanging over Hockeytown as of late, a breakout season from their former goalie prospect is the last thing many want to see.

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