The Edmonton Oilers are expected to explore several options to address their goaltending crisis this NHL offseason, and Detroit Red Wings prospect Sebastian Cossa could emerge as a realistic trade target.
Cossa appeared at No. 20 on NHL analyst Chris Johnston’s latest trade board, with the 23-year-old goaltender drawing attention because of Detroit’s crowded pipeline. Johnston noted that Cossa “is viewed as a potential trade target for the Oilers,” linking the former WHL standout to a team desperate for stability in net.
The Oilers enter the summer after a disastrous season between the pipes. Edmonton finished 28th in the NHL with a .878 team save percentage, one of the league’s worst marks. General manager Stan Bowman attempted to solve the problem during the season by reshaping the goaltending tandem, but the results only deepened the issue.
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After moving Stuart Skinner and Brett Kulak to acquire Tristan Jarry, Edmonton paired the veteran with Connor Ingram. Injuries, inconsistent play, and poor postseason performances prevented the new combination from gaining traction.
With Ingram heading toward unrestricted free agency and Jarry carrying a $5.375 million cap hit for two more seasons, Edmonton faces limited options.
Bowman has already indicated his intentions to fix the Oilers’ goaltending issues, saying, “we only have one goalie signed. We have to evaluate that… we’re looking for improvement in that area for sure.”
Why could Cossa make sense for the Oilers?
Detroit Red Wings goaltender Sebastian Cossa (33) defends the net at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Johnston reported that Cossa’s situation in Detroit has become complicated. The former ninth-overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft struggled to secure playing time late in the AHL season behind Grand Rapids teammate Michal Postava. At the same time, highly regarded prospect Trey Augustine continues to move through the Red Wings system.
Cossa will also lose his waiver exemption next season, creating additional roster pressure for Detroit.
From a team-building perspective, that combination could make a trade beneficial for both sides. The Red Wings may prefer to convert a surplus asset into help elsewhere, while the Oilers need a younger and more affordable solution than most veterans available on the market.
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However, acquiring Cossa would not immediately solve Edmonton’s problems. He has yet to establish himself at the NHL level and would still represent a projection rather than a proven answer.
What makes the fit intriguing is the upside. Cossa’s size (6 ft 6 inches), athleticism and development track record have kept him on NHL radars for years. For an Oilers organization stuck in goaltending uncertainty, betting on potential may be one of the few paths available this summer.
