Detroit Red Wings fans will be forced to wait one more year to see top NHL prospect

While many top prospects have made the jump to the NHL in recent seasons, such as Simon Edvinsson, Moritz Seider, and Lucas Raymond, it isn't the case for Sebastian Cossa, the Wings' 15th overall pick in 2021.

After a promising junior career and a solid start in the pros, more was expected from him this year.

He did perform well in the first half of the season, but fell off the wagon in his final 15 games, when he had a .898 save percentage and couldn't get the job done in the playoffs for Grand Rapids.

The goaltender spent some time in the NHL earlier this season, but after just one game with the Red Wings, General Manager Steve Yzerman stated that the 6-foot-6 goalie wasn't quite ready to become a full-time goaltender at the highest level.

The organization still believes in his long-term potential, but he needs more time to improve his consistency and show he can handle pressure in crucial situations, which could force the team to send him down in the AHL for another year.

With veterans Cam Talbot and Petr Mrazek ahead of him, and possibly more goalie signings on the horizon, Cossa must outperform the competition at training camp to earn a roster spot.

He'll also need to prove that his late-season struggles were just a bump in the road. His .920 save percentage before the All-Star break and AHL All-Star selection showed just how high his ceiling remains.

While the delay may frustrate fans, goaltender development is notoriously slow, and Cossa is still considered a future starter. If he rebounds this fall, the Red Wings' long-term bet could start paying off sooner rather than later.

Yzerman has made it clear, spots in Detroit must be earned. For Cossa, that means showing up every day with the right mindset and performing up to expectations.