MeAs Jesper Wallstedt continues to establish a new standard for rookie Minnesota Wild goalies, it’s hard to forget that the Detroit Red Wings had their choice between Wellstedt and Sebastian Cossa at the 2021 draft.

The Red Wings claimed Cossa with the 15th pick, even though Wellstedt was the consensus higher-rated goalie. The Wild drafted Wallstedt five picks later.  Detroit had made a trade with Dallas to move up to 15 to land a goalie. The Red Wings gave up pick No. 23 (originally acquired from Washington), a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick for No. 15. By the way, Dallas used the No. 23 pick to land Wyatt Johnson who has already scored 100 NHL goals.

Cossa, 23, is still considered a top prospect, but Wallstedt, 23, has been spectacular this season with Minnesota. He beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-0 with 32 saves Sunday for his third shutout in eight games this season. He is the fourth-youngest NHL goalie to earn his team points in eight consecutive games to start a season. Wallstedt owns a 1.94 GAA this season.

An interesting aspect of Wallstedt’s strong play this season is that he wasn’t impressive last season in the AHL. He owned a 3.59 GAA and .879 save percentage. A goalie’s development isn’t always predictable. For example, Cossa’s AHL numbers (49-48-14, 2.69 GAA and .911) are better than Wallstedt’s AHL numbers (49-82.90 GAA, .902). Cossa is 3-2 against Wallstedt when their teams have faced each other.

Cossa hasn’t yet received the NHL opportunity that Wallstedt now enjoys.  Meanwhile, Cossa ha one NHL game on his resume. With a 1.67 GAA and .940 save percentage in the AHL in the early going this season, maybe Cossa’s shot is on the horizon.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Is it time to insert Marco Kasper back with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond? Bob Duff weighs in.

Defenseman Ben Chiarot has been a steady performer for the Red Wings this season.

GM Steve Yzerman recalled defenseman Erik Gustafsson from the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit prospect Rudy Guimond was game’s No. 1 star in the Moncton Wildcat’s 6-1 win against the Charlottetown Islanders in QMJHL league. Guimond had 23 saves and currently owns a 2.33 GAA and .921 save percentage. Over the past two seasons in Moncton, he shows a 29-3-1 record. Another prospect Grayden Robertson-Palmer (204th, 2025) scored twice… The Griffins return Detroit prospect Carter Gylander (191st, 2019) to the Toledo Walleye. He was 3-0-1 with a 2.02 GAA and .929 save percentage. The Griffins also called up former Michigan player Jacob Truscott from Toledo.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Former Colorado goalie Alexandar Georgiev is terminating his contract to return to the KHL. Colorado Avalanche. 

New Jersey: What would help the Devils more — Quinn Hughes or a prominent forward? New Jersey Devils.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski lays out a Penguins trade scenario for trading a goalie. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Vegas: Hannah Kirkell explains how the Golden Knights blew a multi-goal lead and fell to the Ducks in overtime. Vegas Golden Knights.