The Oilers rumoured goalie acquisition seems like all smoke after all

Earlier this week, following a major bombshell being dropped on the Edmonton Oilers that the club is reportedly pursuing former NHL coach Mike Babcock to take over behind the bench, there was another big rumour circulating amongst Oiler fans and media.

That is that the Oilers were close to acquiring former top goaltending prospect, Sebastian Cossa from the Detroit Red Wings. Now, two days later nothing has happened and after some water was poured on it, the rumours seems to be all smoke and no fire.

Sebastian Cossa on the move

According to NHL insider Kevin Weekes, Cossa could in fact be on the move but not to the Oilers instead, to the Utah Mammoth.

This would of course be an upsetting twist given the obvious fit with both teams. The Oilers need a goalie, this past season proved that but the offseason is still young and there are other options set to be available on the market.

However, if the initial rumours are true and the Oilers do in fact find a way to pull off the deal, it could be a big swing for upside that has the potential to pay off dividends.

Cossa could be the Oilers saviour

One of the best case scenarios for this type of upside buy is one that we saw play out this season. Lats summer, the Pittsburgh Penguins made a trade with the Vancouver Canucks to pick up Arturs Silovs. Like Cossa, Silovs was a young and highly touted goaltender who was being held back from regular NHL starts due to the crowded crease ahead of him. At 24 years old, the clock was ticking and he wanted NHL playing time and the Canucks risked losing him through waivers, so they dealt him to the Penguins.

He was able to join the Penguins this season, taking over the starter's job making 38 starts with a 19-12-8 record and a 3.07 goals against average and a .888 save percentage. He also made three starts in the playoffs with a 2-1 record and held steady with a .939 save percentage before the Penguins were ousted by their Pennsylvania rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers.

Cossa, is 23 years old and in a similar situation where he wants NHL playing time after a dominant career in the AHL so far. This past year he played 39 games with the Red Wings AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, with a 26-8-4 record and a 2.33 GAA and .915 save percentage. This followed his performance last year with a 21-15-5 record and a 2.45 GAA and .911 save percentage.

Now, like the Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, Cossa reportedly wants out and the Oilers would be foolish not to want him. He was born in Hamilton, Ontario but spent many of his younger years near Edmonton, Alberta. He even played his junior hockey for the Western Hockey League club, the Edmonton Oil Kings.

He is a local product who would have connections to some of the Oilers recent front office hires, specifically Kirt Hill who was named Assistant GM in charge of Player Procurement. During their time with the Oil Kings, they were even able to capture the WHL championship in 2022. There are obvious connections and given his pedigree and skill, Cossa seems like a great fit for the Oilers to buy in net.

At this time, we have little clarity and will have to see how it plays out.