It wouldn't surprise me if Michal Postava spent time with the Toledo Walleye in 2025-26 in what will be his first test on North American ice. But it shouldn't surprise anyone if he plays more than a handful of games in Grand Rapids, and ends up looking like a potential goaltender of the future.
Trey Augustine and Sebastian Cossa may dominate the Wings prospects pool at netminder, but it'd be a mistake to count out Postava, whose dominating play in Czechia last season should catapult him into this race to man the team's net.
After dominating the 2023-24 season in Czechia2, Postava moved up to the big league in 2024-25, and across 42 games, he won 23, with a 2.39 GAA, a 0.921 save percentage, and three shutouts.
If that wasn't enough, Postava went even further in the postseason, playing in 17 contests and finishing with a 1.97 GAA, a 0.940 save percentage, and another three shutouts. It showed everyone that he was ready to up his game and try out his hand in North America.
Michal Postava will have his work cut out for him regardless of how he fared last season
Right now, Postava needs reps, and they'll be hard to come by in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Sebastian Cossa's still the No. 1 in town until he proves he can no longer hold that moniker, and Postava can't ride the bench.
The solution? Send him to Toledo and let him get reps while he gets used to the North American game. The ECHL may not be the flashiest place out there, but for a goaltender who's only seen the European version of the game? It's the perfect place to kick off a career.
Postava won't be in the ECHL long should he adapt quickly to the style of play. But if he struggles early against more manageable competition, it'll still be an easy confidence booster as opposed to the rigors associated with the AHL as far as goaltenders go.
Postava may face a learning curve early but will ultimately find his stride
If you want my projection, Postava will make quick work out of ECHL competition, and make a few appearances later in the AHL. Starting in 2026-27, we should see Sebastian Cossa finally earn full-time minutes in the NHL, opening a spot for Postava to compete for in the AHL.
Overall, even if Postava stays behind Cossa and Trey Augustine, it doesn't mean he wouldn't be valuable for the Wings. At worst, you can point to organizational depth. Or, maybe he'll be an NHL-caliber talent and potential trade bait.