Perhaps no other Detroit Red Wings prospect has as high a potential as Trey Augustine.
Taken in the second round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Augustine has been on a meteoric rise through the world of hockey since draft day. Last season, Augustine put up some of the most awe-inspiring numbers of his career with Michigan State University, dropping an impressive .929 save percentage and 2.11 goals against average. Augustine was named the Big Ten's best goalie in both the 2024-25 and the 2025-26 season: not an easy feat by any means.
This time around, he's ready for the next big challenge: the Grand Rapids Griffins.
During the NHLPA Rookie Showcase, a reporter asked Augustine how he felt about his NHL prospects. “I just need to go in there and do what I do," he said. "I need to play my best, be a great teammate, do the little things right and the rest will take care of itself.
"If I’m lucky enough to get an opportunity, great. If I’m not, it’s the same approach for me. I have to be ready to go and just keep getting better every single day.”
That kind of mentality is the exact thing you hope for out of a prospect with the potential Augustine has.
Coaches, staff praise Augustine
Augustine, 21, is already earning praise throughout the organization. Former general manager Steve Yzerman, when asked about the Sebastian Cossa trade, was candid. “We wouldn’t have traded Sebastian had we not been comfortable with the depth that we have in goal.”
Grand Rapids Griffins head coach Dan Watson had heaps of praise to throw on Augustine. “He wants to know all the details of the game," Watson began in an interview with NHL.com. "He’s very competitive. He does not like to get scored on. He’ll compete until the play’s done, whistle blows and the next rep comes. He stayed out extra, he went out before. He was with one of our practice groups and took a ton of shots and he didn’t complain one time. The players really appreciate it, but his work ethic is top notch.
Trey Augustine is one of three goaltenders the Griffins have rolling this season. He'll be competing with Michal Postava and Carter Gylander for the starter's role.
“Trey and Postava will be pushing to make a great first impression," Watson continued. "I’m looking forward to seeing this goalie battle and see where everybody lands. With the three we’ll have for sure in GR, everyone gives us an opportunity to win every night.”
Augustine could even make NHL push this season
As far fetched as it might seem, there's even a chance we see Augustine make his NHL debut if things go according to plan. It's safe to assume that, sooner or later, one of John Gibson or Daniil Tarasov will move on from the Red Wings, whether it be by trade or free agency. If Augustine is lights out throughout the season and the Red Wings decide to move on from a goaltender, he might have a shot at a few starts near the end of the season.
Now this, of course, depends entirely on how the Red Wings proceed with their season. If they're hoping to remain competitive throughout, they may opt to keep Gibson until free agency. If they're too far from the playoffs, however, there's a chance Gibson gets moved to a contender to give him his shot at a Cup.
It's all a matter of time and performance for Augustine.
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