Future of Detroit Red Wings Goaltender Prospect Sebastian Cossa Uncertain
Detroit Red Wings’ 23-year-old goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa experienced a challenging second half of the season, losing his starting position to Michal Postava. Despite these struggles, he achieved career-best statistics, recording a 26-8-4 record, a 2.33 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage, and five shutouts.
Cossa is approaching Restricted Free Agent (RFA) status and will require waivers next season if he is not immediately placed on the NHL roster. He has only participated in one NHL game. If he is signed and not designated as the backup, he would need to clear waivers to be assigned to the American Hockey League (AHL). Cossa has indicated that his agents will handle all contract negotiations.
Even if he were to pass through waivers, completing three full seasons in the AHL might not offer further development opportunities. Postava has one year remaining on his entry-level contract. Additionally, the Red Wings drafted Trey Augustine in the second round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, and he will require significant playing time next year.
Alex Tuch’s Contract Decisions Go Beyond Numbers
Buffalo Sabres pending Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) forward Alex Tuch has expressed his enjoyment of his time in Buffalo but is uncertain if a contract agreement can be reached. He stated, “I mean, I love it here. I’ve loved my time here. I’ve loved playing hockey here. I’m going to do whatever’s best for myself and my family. That’s all. That’s my power and consideration.”
Tuch acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding contract talks and the future. He emphasized, “But my main priority is my family and where we’ll be, where my kids will grow up, and who we surround my kids with. There’s a lot of aspects that go into it. It’s not just numbers, it’s not just where to play. There’s endless amounts of possibilities and options for a guy going into free agency. You don’t really know anything until everything’s laid out in front of you. So, I’m going to take some time in the next few weeks to really figure it out and see how it goes.”
Having recently turned 30, the Sabres are the only team with whom Tuch can sign an eight-year contract. Potential comparable deals for an eight-year contract include Adrian Kempe’s at $10.625 million annually and Nick Schmaltz’s deal with the Utah Hockey Club at $8 million annually for eight years.
Tuch has consistently recorded at least 59 points in each of the last four seasons, with 66 points in the most recent season. He contributed seven points in their first-round playoff series against Boston but had no points and a -8 rating in seven games against the Canadiens.
English Translation
What does the future hold for Detroit Red Wings goaltender prospect Sebastian Cossa?
Detroit Red Wings’ 23-year-old goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa struggled in the second half of the season and lost his starting job to Michal Postava. Despite the struggles, he did put up career numbers with a 26-8-4 record, a 2.33 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage, and five shutouts.
He is pending RFA status and will require waivers next season. He has only played in one NHL game. If they sign him and he’s not their backup, he’ll have to go through waivers to get to the AHL. He said he’ll let his agents handle all the negotiations.
Even if he somehow got through waivers, it’s been three full years in the AHL, and it’s hard to see him developing more there. Postava has one more year left on his entry-level deal. The Wings also signed their 2023 second-round pick, Trey Augustine, and he’ll need a good amount of playing time next year.
It’s not just numbers guiding pending UFA Alex Tuch
Buffalo Sabres pending UFA forward Alex Tuch said he’s loved his time in Buffalo but doesn’t know if the sides can get a deal done or how it’s going to unfold.
“I mean, I love it here. I’ve loved my time here. I’ve loved playing hockey here. I’m going to do whatever’s best for myself and my family. That’s all. That’s my power and consideration.
Like I said, I don’t know how talks are going to proceed. I don’t know what they’re going to say, I don’t know the future. But my main priority is my family and where we’ll be, where my kids will grow up, and who we surround my kids with.
There’s a lot of aspects that go into it. It’s not just numbers, it’s not just where to play. There’s endless amounts of possibilities and options for a guy going into free agency. You don’t really know anything until everything’s laid out in front of you. So, I’m going to take some time in the next few weeks to really figure it out and see how it goes.”
Tuch just turned 30, and the Sabres will be the only team he can sign an eight-year deal with. Adrian Kempe’s eight-year, $10.625 million is a comp, with the Sabres maybe looking at Nick Schmaltz’s deal with the Utah Hockey Club of eight years and $8 million per as the comp.
Tuch has had at least 59 points in each of the past four years and put up 66 this past season. He put up seven points in their first-round matchup with Boston but no points and a -8 in seven games against the Canadiens.
