Detroit Red Wings Mailbag: Edvinsson, Cossa, and Kasper Update

The Detroit Red Wings have taken a more veteran approach this season, but their primary focus remains on building through the draft, cultivating talent, and relying on their top prospects to become future game-changers.

Defenseman Simon Edvinsson, goaltender Sebastian Cossa, and forward Marco Kasper were assigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins at the conclusion of the exhibition season. As former first-round picks, they carry high expectations and generate significant interest, making them the subject of this week’s mailbag.

Reader Theo G. wrote, “Edvinsson had a strong camp, and I believed he had a chance to make the team. How has he been performing in GR? What about Cossa and Marco?”

Impressive Performances by Edvinsson

Several members of the Red Wings front office have expressed their satisfaction with Edvinsson’s performance, dating back to his exhibition season displays, particularly praising his strong skating abilities and improved decision-making. General Manager Steve Yzerman seemed to suggest that he did not believe Edvinsson, the sixth overall pick in 2021, was ready for full-time NHL action, hence the signing of three seasoned defensemen (Shayne Gostisbehere, Justin Holl, Jeff Petry) in the offseason. Nevertheless, Edvinsson, who is 20 years old, has demonstrated that he is prepared for a genuine opportunity.

The reckless plays that marred his nine-game stint with the Wings last spring have been rectified. While the Griffins have had a slow start — winning their first two games but then going winless in the following five — Edvinsson has showcased his skills, recording three goals and an assist in seven games. When his services are required in Detroit, he appears poised to perform at such a high level that he solidifies his place on the team.

Relief in Cossa’s Performance

No prospect has relieved the organization more with consistent play than Cossa. The Wings used the first-round pick acquired in the 2021 Anthony Mantha trade with the Washington Capitals to move up to the 15th spot and passed on Jesper Wallstedt, who was projected to be the first goalie selected in 2021, in favor of Cossa.

During the two weeks spent in Traverse City in September, Cossa did not appear to be in good shape and lacked confidence. In the so-called prospects tournament, he gave up six goals in back-to-back games against other organizations’ young players and failed to stand out at the primary training camp.

However, in his first game with the Griffins, the 6-foot-6 Canadian displayed the skills that the Wings see as their future, stopping 41 of 43 shots in a 5-2 victory over the Colorado Eagles. A week later, Cossa made 31 saves on 33 shots in Colorado. After four starts, he boasts a 2.50 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.

Expectations for Kasper

Kasper, the eighth overall pick in 2022, joined the Red Wings last spring following a stellar season in the Swedish Hockey League, where he accumulated 23 points in 52 games with Rögle BK. Due to a lower-body injury, he only appeared in one game, but he set the bar quite high. However, it was disappointing to see his lackluster performance at the prospects camp and during exhibition games, where he showcased few of his impressive skills.

His performance in Grand Rapids hasn’t been much better, with only one point (a goal) in seven games. Perhaps it’s a matter of maturity, as he is only 19 years old, but the Red Wings expect more from Kasper.

Contact Helene St. James at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Her latest book, “On the Clock: Behind the Scenes with the Detroit Red Wings at the NHL Draft,” is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Triumph Books. Personalized copies can be obtained through her email.

Read more about the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Red Wings Mailbag: Simon Edvinsson, Sebastian Cossa impress

Reference