Full Breakdown
Detroit Red Wings Trade Goaltender Sebastian Cossa for 23rd-Overall Pick, Select Forward J.P. Hurlbert
6/28/2026, 12:39:10 AM
Trade Overview
On June 26, 2026, the Detroit Red Wings dealt 23-year-old goaltender Sebastian Cossa to the Utah Mammoth for the franchise’s 23rd-overall selection in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Detroit immediately used that pick to draft forward J.P. Hurlbert of the Kamloops Blazers. The move restored a first-round choice after the Wings had previously traded their original first-round pick (15th overall, used for Cossa) to the St. Louis Blues for defenseman Justin Faulk.
Background & Context
Detroit entered the draft without a first-round pick and after ten straight seasons missing the playoffs. The organization faced a crowded goaltending pipeline—prospects Trey Augustine, Michal Postava, and veteran John Gibson—while lacking a high-skill winger. Management therefore opted to convert a surplus net-minder into a forward prospect to address scoring depth.
Player Profiles
Sebastian Cossa – 15th-overall pick in 2021, Cossa posted a 26-8-4 record, 2.33 GAA and .915 SV% for the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2025-26, earning AHL Central Division All-Star honors. He appeared in one NHL game (12 saves in a 2-1 win over Buffalo on Dec. 9, 2024) before losing the Griffins’ starting role to undrafted Michal Postava.
J.P. Hurlbert – The 6-ft, 190-lb right-shot winger recorded 42 goals, 55 assists and 97 points in 68 WHL games for the Kamloops Blazers, leading all rookies and capturing the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy. He was ranked 12th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and projected between 10th and 41st overall in draft mock-ups. Hurlbert is committed to the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 season.
Data & Statistics
- Cossa: 70-33-19 AHL career record, 2.46 GAA, .911 SV% (123 games); five shutouts in 2025-26; one NHL win (12-2).
- Hurlbert: 42 G, 55 A, 97 P (WHL 2025-26); 3 points in 4 playoff games; 48 G, 40 A in 2023-24 Dallas Stars Elite 16U season.
- Draft: Hurlbert selected 23rd overall; Cossa’s former 15th-overall slot became a trade asset.
Official Statements & Responses
General manager Steve Yzerman said the trade “addressed a clear need for high-skill offensive talent” and restored a first-round pick to Detroit’s prospect pool. Assistant GM Kris Draper praised Hurlbert’s scoring consistency, noting he “has basically scored wherever he’s gone” and possesses “good size” and “real offensive instincts.” Vice president of hockey operations Nicklas Lidström confirmed Hurlbert’s commitment to Michigan as a development step.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts at OctopusThrower argued that Cossa “still has the tools to be a legitimate starter,” suggesting the trade risks losing a viable net-minder for a prospect who will not reach the NHL for several years. Heavy.com questioned the timing, stating the move “doesn’t help the team immediately” and may leave Detroit without an NHL-ready goaltender as it seeks to replace captain Dylan Larkin.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They got me into hockey. I was a Red Wings fan growing up. My whole family is from Detroit. It's so special to be able to put on this jersey. I'm so excited,” — J.P. Hurlbert, Sportsnet interview
- “J.P. has basically scored wherever he's gone,” — Kris Draper, Assistant GM, Detroit Red Wings
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Draft analysts placed Hurlbert’s projected selection anywhere from 10th to 41st overall, yet Detroit chose him at 23rd. Sources differ on Cossa’s total games for Grand Rapids in 2025-26 (ClutchPoints cites 39 games; the 26-8-4 record implies 38 decisions). No public comment from Utah Mammoth officials detailed Cossa’s expected role.
What’s Next
Hurlbert will join the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 season, playing alongside fellow prospects Michael Hage and Adam Valentini under head coach Brandon Naurato. Cossa is expected to compete for the backup spot behind Karel Vejmelka with the Utah Mammoth. Detroit will monitor both players as part of a broader rebuild aimed at returning to playoff contention.
