Grading the Mammoth’s Trade for Red Wings’ Sebastian Cossa

The Utah Mammoth have acquired Sebastian Cossa for the 23rd overall pick, which the Detroit Red Wings used to select JP Hurlbert. The 23rd overall pick was originally acquired by the Mammoth in the JJ Peterka trade with the Boston Bruins.

The Mammoth Get a Backup and a Potential Future Starter

If there were any doubts about the Mammoth and their plans for goaltending this season and beyond, those are quieted with the acquisition of Cossa. The 23-year-old goaltender was drafted by the Red Wings 15th overall back in 2021 and has been one of the top goaltending prospects in the NHL for a while now.

Cossa has played the past three seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL), primarily with the Grand Rapids Griffins. In each of those three seasons, Cossa has put up a save percentage above .910. He’s been named an AHL all-star twice and won the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award in 2026, which is awarded to the AHL goaltender with the lowest goals against average.

The goaltender has a 70-33-19 overall record in the AHL with a 5-6-0 postseason record in the league. Cossa has also played 46 ECHL games and made his sole NHL appearance to date on Dec. 9, 2024, stopping 12 of 14 shots for his first NHL win.

The main need for the Mammoth this summer was to get another goaltender to help out Karel Vejmelka. While the Czechia goaltender played 64 regular-season games and looked comfortable in the playoffs, the Mammoth cannot afford to overwork Vejmelka. If he went down with an injury this past season, no one was really there to back him up.

For Cossa, this is his chance. The Red Wings kept acquiring more and more goaltenders, which created a blockade for Cossa to get a full-time NHL gig. Not to mention, they also have Trey Augustine, who put up really good numbers in the AHL. Barring anything crazy, he will be Vejmelka’s backup next season.

This isn’t just a trade to help the Mammoth now. Cossa is only 23 years old. The best is yet to come for the goalie. Eventually, he and Michael Hrabal will more than likely be the Mammoth’s tandem of the future. For Hrabal, this move also allows him time to develop in the AHL and not be rushed to the NHL.

The Mammoth did not need any more prospects. Especially after drafting Ethan Belchetz with their other first-round pick, they could afford to trade draft picks. This is a perfect use of that asset. The Mammoth get an NHL-ready goaltender who can be a part of their team for the long run. Even if Cossa doesn’t reach the starting goaltender level and is the Mammoth’s backup for Vejmelka and eventually Hrabal, it’s a good risk to take, especially with the amount of high-end prospects they have. The Mammoth are getting a B-plus for this trade.

The Red Wings Add to Their Core

With the 23rd overall pick, the Red Wings drafted J.P. Hurlbert. The forward spent last season with the Kamloops Blazers, putting up 97 points in 68 games, winning the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) rookie of the year award.

The Texas native’s main attribute is his shot. He has a unique shot that allows him to whip the puck on net almost instantly once he receives a pass. Hurlbert also has great hands and a fantastic hockey IQ.

The Red Wings were going to move on from Cossa this offseason, especially with John Gibson still under contract and Augustine more than likely being promoted to the NHL next season. Getting something of similar value was the goal, and they achieved it. A former first-round pick for a first-round pick.

Now, obviously, anything could happen, and Hurlbert could not pan out. However, right now, he looks like a great addition to the Red Wings’ top six. With the expectation of playoffs next season, Hurlbert could come in a couple of seasons and help out their current core take another big step towards winning a Stanley Cup. The Red Wings are getting a B for this trade.

It’s a win-win situation here. The Mammoth didn’t need another first-round pick, and they got a much-needed backup to Vejmelka and a potential future starting goalie. The Red Wings didn’t need another young goaltender, and they acquired a nice future addition to their forward group. The Mammoth are deeper into their winning contention than the Red Wings are, having made the playoffs last season, which could make them out to be the early winners here. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if both of these teams end up looking back at this trade as a successful one.