Steve Yzerman has made his first significant offseason move, and it doesn’t involve Dylan Larkin. The team announced that they have traded goaltender Sebastian Cossa for the 23rd pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The Red Wings didn’t have a pick in the first round, so it’s nice to see them use an expendable asset to get back in after the Justin Faulk trade. This move unfortunately closes the Sebastian Cossa chapter in Detroit. The guy never got a fair look here, and after he was on the bench in the postseason for the Griffins, the writing was on the wall. Honestly, I’m a little surprised Yzerman was able to flip Cossa for a first-round selection. With such little NHL experience, I figured SY would have had to settle for whatever he could get.
With the 23rd pick, Detroit selected forward Jeffery “J.P.” Hurlbert, a commit to the University of Michigan. Hurlbert had a breakout season in the WHL, scoring 97 points (42 goal, 55 assists) in 68 games for Kamloops. Right-hand shot, 18-years old, six-foot 190-pounder. Plenty of room to grow.
From DetNews: JP Hurlbert following Michigan hockey roots after NHL Draft
While this wasn’t the “big” trade everyone was expecting (Larkin – cough, cough), it’s tough to feel upset with this trade. You took a prospect that didn’t pan out and flipped him into a younger, potentially more promising player. I’m giving this trade a solid “B+” for now. Just gotta hope Cossa doesn’t turn into a Vezina contender.
