The Detroit Red Wings completed a significant transaction during the 2026 NHL Draft by trading top prospect Sebastian Cossa to the Utah Mammoth. In return, Detroit received the 23rd overall selection, which they immediately used to draft offensive forward JP Hurlbert, a native of Allen, Texas.
Cossa, a six-foot-six goaltender, posted a 2.33 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage across 39 American Hockey League games with the Grand Rapids Griffins last season. He recorded 26 wins and four losses. Detroit views Hurlbert as a high-value asset following an outstanding junior campaign.
The 18-year-old tallied 42 goals and 97 points in 68 games with the Kamloops Blazers in the Western Hockey League. His performance earned him WHL Rookie of the Year honors and placed him fourth in league scoring.
Hurlbert’s development path included a 195-point season at the 14U level within the Dallas Stars Elite AAA system. He later played 90 games for the U.S. National Team Development Program, contributing 68 points. Cossa is expected to compete for playing time alongside Karel Vejmelka in Utah. Whether this trade proves beneficial for Detroit remains to be seen.
