I missed being able to do my usual weekend routine this past weekend, which is to say that I was unable to keep up with the Red Wings’ prospects, who took part in their usual contingent of heavily weekend-scheduled games throughout North America’s developmental leagues.
In the case of Red Wings goaltending prospect and 2021 first-round draft pick Sebastian Cossa, it’s more of the same–Cossa has posted a 2.21 goals-against average, a .929 save percentage, and 11 wins over the course of 17 games played thus far.
Tonight, Detroit Hockey Now’s Bob Duff checks in on Cossa’s Edmonton Oil Kings and their coach, Brad Lauer, for a progress report:
“He is a very confident individual,” Lauer said. “He has some swagger to his game. It’s not like he is arrogant about it. (Cossa) is a team-first guy. He is one of our leaders in our room. He has a great attitude.”
Lauer has overflowing credibility when it comes to assessing a player’s inner-drive. He had a pro career that lasted 19 years, including parts of nine seasons in the NHL with the New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins. He worked for every game he played in the NHL. Lauer has been an assistant coach in the American League and with the Anaheim Ducks.
Lauer sees Cossa as a very technical goalie, efficient in his movements. “He conserves his energy,” Lauer said.
He doesn’t conserve his words. Cossa is a talker, and is skilled in the fine art of chirping, although he doesn’t do it as much in games as he did when he was younger.
“In practice, I’m still on the guys,” he said. “But that’s just for fun, just to keep the compete (level) up. But I might have dialed it back a little bit. I’ve always been a little bit chirpy and a little bit chippy. But at the end of the day my job is stop the puck. So I can’t let anyone get me off my game.”
Lauer likes that Cossa works at his game, refines all aspects of his game. (Lauer) says, for example, Cossa works regularly on his puck-handling and he “improves daily.”
“He fights for the ice he wants, but he is not as physically involved as he was when he was younger,” Lauer said. “He is more in control, more focused on his game.”
