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As the 2024-25 NHL season begins, the number of former ECHL players reaching the National Hockey League has grown to 754 since 1988. Recently, two former ECHL players joined this prestigious list, showcasing the league's ability to develop top talent.
The first to make their NHL debut was Trent Miner, a former goaltender for the Utah Grizzlies. Miner took the ice with the Colorado Avalanche on November 15 in a game against the Washington Capitals.
Sebastian Cossa Shines in NHL Debut with Detroit Red Wings
The following week, former Toledo Walleye goalie Sebastian Cossa made his highly anticipated NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings. Cossa stepped in to relieve starting goalie Ville Husso in a game against the Buffalo Sabres. Despite Detroit's rocky start, Cossa earned the victory, stopping 12 shots in relief and securing a 6-5 shootout win. With this performance, Cossa became the 11th goaltender in Red Wings history to win in his NHL debut. He also made history as the first Red Wings netminder to win a debut game in a shootout.
Cossa’s Journey to the NHL
Cossa’s career trajectory has been impressive. Selected by the Red Wings in the first round (15th overall) of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, he spent the 2022-23 season with the Toledo Walleye. That season, Cossa posted a 26-16-4 record, ranking third in the league with a 2.56 goals-against average and 10th with a .913 save percentage. His standout performance earned him a spot at the 2023 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic in Norfolk, where he became the 73rd player from the ECHL All-Star Game to reach the NHL and the 57th since 2002.
From the WHL to the NHL
Cossa’s journey began in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he played for the Edmonton Oil Kings. During the 2020-21 season, Cossa posted extraordinary numbers, leading the league in both goals-against average (1.57) and save percentage (.941). He also tied for the league lead in shutouts with four and ranked second in wins with 17. His dominant performance earned him a reputation as the top North American goaltender according to the NHL Central Scouting Bureau.
As a rookie in the WHL during the 2019-20 season, Cossa posted a solid 21-6-3 record with a 2.23 GAA and .921 SVP, further solidifying his place as a top goaltender prospect. Prior to joining the Oil Kings, he played three seasons with the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers in the Alberta minor hockey ranks, where he won a league championship and earned top goaltender and most valuable player honors in 2016-17.
Cossa’s NHL Potential
Now a part of the Red Wings organization, Cossa's potential is clear. He has already shown his skill in the American Hockey League (AHL), playing in 57 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he earned a 32-14-10 record with a 2.49 GAA and .911 SVP. Cossa’s rapid progression through the ranks has many excited about his future with Detroit, and his debut victory suggests he is poised for a promising career in the NHL.
As the NHL season continues, it will be exciting to watch how these former ECHL players, including Cossa and Miner, contribute to their teams and add to the growing legacy of ECHL players making it to the big leagues.
