We are less than a month away from the 2021 NHL Entry Draft (July 23-24), so it’s time to start researching the prospects likely to be selected in the first round. The Columbus Blue Jackets currently hold three picks in that round: #5, #24, and #30 or #31.
Sebastian Cossa
Position: Goalie
Team: Edmonton Oil Kings
Date of Birth: November 21, 2002
Birthplace: Fort McMurray, AB, Canada
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 212 lbs
Catches: left
2019-2020 Stats
GP: 33
GA: 70
SO: 4
GAA: 2.23
W: 21
SVs: 817
Pct: 0.921
2020-2021 Stats
GP: 19
GA: 30
SO: 4
GAA: 1.57
W: 17
L: 1
SVs: 475
Pct: 0.941
Rankings
1st (among NA goaltenders) by NHL Central Scouting
14th by TSN/Bob McKenzie
19th by TSN/Craig Button and McKeen’s Hockey
21st by Recruit Scouting
22nd by EliteProspects.com
23rd by FCHockey, Consolidated Ranking, and Sportnet’s
24th by Draft Prospect’s Hockey and Smaht Scouting
32nd by Neutral Zone and Puck Authority
36th by Dobber Prospects
For a goalie, large stature can either be an asset or a liability. The scouts indicate the former for this very young, very talented goalie. Although he played less this past season due to a COVID-shortened season, he played better: NHL Central scouting moved him into the A rating in January. He’s proven to be agile with positional awareness, using his large frame advantageously. He’s described as nimble, clever, and quick with the hands. His size and movability will surely make him a standout at this year’s draft. If not for another goalie named Jesper Wallstedt, Cossa might be the top goalie to be selected.
The goalie situation for the Blue Jackets is uncertain due to the tragic death of Matiss Kivlenieks this past 4th of July. Developing goaltender Veini Vehvilainen was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs this past March. Comparing the 50/50 performances of the last season, a betting man would project Elvis Merzlikins as the starting goalie. Whether Joonas Korpisalo is protected from the draft or traded greatly determines our need to acquire a back-up goalie, which would make Cossa a very attractive draft prospect. Daniil Tarasov, who was drafted by the Blue Jackets in 2017 and played with the Cleveland Monsters last season for 6 games, may also be in back-up consideration.
Scouting Reports
Cossa is so tall that when he does go down in the butterfly, his shoulders still reach the crossbar and his frame takes up much of the net. His glove as well as his blocker are solid. This helps him take away the top of the net. -Ben Kerr, LWOS
He’s got very good net coverage while in his stance or when dropping in the butterfly and he doesn’t leave a lot of room for shooters when in butterfly. He seals the ice and five-hole with a good leg extension to protect the low corners. –Al Jensen, Central Scouting
He mixes things up and recovers quickly on rebounds to get in front of multiple shot sequences in order to clear his crease. He’s not afraid to use his hands, and does a good job of covering up before they spring loose for scoring chances. He’ll use a wide array of save options to match whatever the shooter presents. –Elite Prospects 2021 NHL Draft Guide