Sebastian Cossa's got all the potential out there to steal a spot as the Detroit Red Wings netminder next season, and he could even end up as the No. 1 guy in the net while John Gibson takes a back seat.
That's the ideal situation, but right now, Cossa sits at No. 3 on the depth chart and the No. 1 netminder in Grand Rapids in what is the final year of his current contract before he becomes a restricted free agent. While I don't doubt the Wings bring him back barring a catastrophic meltdown, one of the team's most exciting prospects must show us that he can be more consistent this year than he was in the past.
And Cossa's numbers weren't bad through 41 starts, with a 0.911 save percentage, a 2.45 GAA, and a shutout. Those overall stats scream consistency, and they're the baseline for 2025-26, with preferably something more in the park of what we saw in 2023-24, which were slightly better numbers.
As for his playoff numbers, they couldn't have been worse, with an 0.868 save percentage and a 4.51 GAA. That's where you cringe, and say, "No matter the situation, Cossa can't struggle through another stretch like that again."
It's crucial Sebastian Cossa steps up in crunch time
If you're the Red Wings, you want to see Cossa step up in the clutch, make big saves, and be the reason his team wins. And it can't happen just a few times a year, but consistently, which should drive away any doubts the Red Wings or anyone else has for him.
At 6'6, 210 lbs, he's got all the size you can ask for, and he's got the speed and puck awareness to bounce back and keep the sequence in front of him. He stifles scoring chances well, freezing the puck before opponents have a chance to take advantage of a miscue, and there's not a single save he can't make.
Still, the A-Game has got to come every time he lines up in the crease. If not, then players like Michal Postava can take advantage and show why they may be the better option. The same goes for Trey Augustine when he signs and officially joins the system.
Right now, Cossa's got the ability, the regular season productivity, and experience to make the ultimate jump next season. But he's got to get more consistent, and come up big every time he gets a chance to.