Photo: Timothy T. Ludwig ~ Imagn Images
DETROIT ~ The Detroit Red Wings entered the 2026 NHL Draft without a first-round pick, but Steve Yzerman made sure Detroit was part of the opening-night conversation. In one of the draft’s biggest surprises, the Red Wings traded former first-round goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa to the Utah Mammoth in exchange for the No. 23 overall pick. Detroit then used that selection to draft Kamloops Blazers forward J.P. Hurlbert, a dynamic scorer who recorded 97 points in 68 games and was widely regarded as one of the most creative offensive players in the draft class.
The Cossa trade was a difficult move for many Red Wings fans to accept. Drafted 15th overall in 2021, Cossa spent years developing into one of the organization’s most intriguing prospects. He posted a strong 26-8-4 record with a .915 save percentage for the Grand Rapids Griffins last season, showing signs that he could eventually become an NHL starter. However, Detroit’s growing confidence in young goaltenders Trey Augustine and Michal Postava appears to have made Cossa expendable, giving Yzerman the flexibility to address another organizational need.
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(CONTINUED) From a hockey perspective, the move signals that Detroit believes it needs more high-end offensive talent in its prospect pipeline. Hurlbert brings exactly that. The Texas native and future University of Michigan forward emerged as one of the WHL’s most productive players this season, scoring 42 goals while earning Rookie of the Year honors.
Whether this draft is ultimately remembered as a success will depend on two players: Hurlbert and Cossa. If Cossa develops into the franchise goaltender many once envisioned, questions about the trade will linger in Detroit for years. But if Hurlbert becomes the goal-scoring difference-maker the Red Wings believe he can be, the gamble will pay off. For now, the draft reflected a front office willing to make tough decisions in pursuit of building a more dangerous and balanced future roster.
