The Detroit Red Wings‘ injury woes have officially hit their most vulnerable position—goaltending—and it’s sending shockwaves through the organization. With Cam Talbot exiting Sunday’s game with a lower-body injury and Alex Lyon still recovering from his own ailment, the team has been forced to make a major move. The Red Wings have officially summoned top prospect Sebastian Cossa from the Grand Rapids Griffins to provide a much-needed boost in net.
In a related announcement, the team confirmed that Alex Lyon has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to Nov. 27, further complicating an already shaky goaltending situation. With both Talbot and Lyon sidelined, the Wings’ options have become limited, leaving them with only Ville Husso as the healthy goaltender on the roster. Husso, who struggled in relief of Talbot on Sunday, will likely get the start when Detroit faces the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.
Cossa, the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, has been outstanding in his 14 starts with the Griffins this season. Boasting a .925 save percentage, a 2.21 goals-against average, and a 9-4-1 record, Cossa is proving why he’s considered one of the most exciting goalie prospects the Red Wings have had in years. His performance last season with the Griffins was equally impressive, posting a 22-9-9 record in 40 starts. Along with Michigan State’s Trey Augustine, Cossa is seen as one of Detroit’s brightest young talents between the pipes.
The timing of this call-up couldn’t be worse for the Red Wings, who are facing a critical stretch of games. With the team already battling through injuries to other key players, losing both Talbot and Lyon has placed extra pressure on Husso. The Red Wings’ goaltending depth is now being tested in real-time, and how the team manages this crisis could have major implications on their playoff aspirations this season.
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As for Cossa, his call-up to the NHL is both a reward for his solid play in the AHL and a necessary step for a team that can’t afford to take chances with its goaltending. While Cossa may not get the start immediately—especially if Husso performs well in Boston—his presence will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation for the remainder of this road trip. The Red Wings will likely be hoping for quick recoveries from Talbot and Lyon, but in the meantime, Cossa will be a key part of the team’s depth chart.
How long Talbot and Lyon will remain out is still unclear, but one thing is certain: Detroit’s goaltending situation is in flux, and Sebastian Cossa’s performance could be the determining factor in how this crisis unfolds. If Husso struggles or if the injuries linger, the Red Wings may find themselves relying more heavily on their young prospect sooner rather than later. Stay tuned—the Red Wings’ goaltending drama is just getting started.
