FloHockey’s Patrick Williams offers a slate of goaltending prospects to watch in his AHL season preview, and Sebastian Cossa makes Williams’ list:
Sebastian Cossa – Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings)
Led by Steve Yzerman, Red Wings management has shown a willingness to take a very long-term outlook with prospects.
Yzerman did that with Tampa Bay, and he has done that again in Detroit. That philosophy meant that Cossa went to the ECHL as a rookie in 2022-23 even though he was the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Once Cossa had shown that he was ready to move higher, the Red Wings sent him to Grand Rapids last year. That patience paid off as Cossa had a strong year and took charge of the Grand Rapids net. Now the challenge will be to build on that and take the Griffins deep into the postseason.
Update: Chris Peters also names Nate Danielson a rookie to watch this year in the AHL:
Nate Danielson, C, Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)
Selected ninth overall by the Detroit Red Wings in 2022, Danielson wrapped up a strong junior career in the WHL last season. A former captain of the Brandon Wheat Kings, Danielson finished out his junior career with the Portland Winterhawks where his offensive game flourished, highlighted by his 24 points in 18 postseason contests. Danielson has sneaky skill and the ability to score, but also has a mature game away from the puck. He’s a critical piece of Detroit’s future and we’re going to learn a lot more about him as a pro this season.
