by Jeremy Laura
DETROIT’S GOALIE PROSPECTS
Detroit made a recent addition in net, signing goalie Michael Postava to an entry-level deal. The addition has strengthened the prospect pool in a key area. The Red Wings need stronger goaltending to compete.
Prospect Sebastian Cossa continues to grow in Grand Rapids. Trey Augustine is a standout in the NCAA. Last Season saw another prospect increase his stock. Rudy Guimond’s move to the QMJHL sparked a record-breaking performance.
RUDY GUIMOND STEPS FORWARD
In 2023, the Red Wings selected goalie Rudy Guimond in the sixth round of the draft. The following season saw Guimond play in the USHL. The numbers didn’t jump off the page as he saw a save percentage of .869 with a goals against of 3.55.
This past season saw a starting save percentage of .887 with 2.88 goals against. With just 6 games played in the USHL, a change was made. Guimond made his way to the Moncton Wildcats and everything changed.
The Wildcats saw Guimond win his first 24 starts, a new QMJHL record. The team won their league championship, and Guimond ended the regular season with a .940 save percentage and 1.73 goals against. The narrative for this goalie has changed drastically.
Guimond had committed to Yale University for the coming fall. Over the weekend, the goalie decommitted and is returning to Moncton. This move has multiple ramifications for the player and the Red Wings.
Detroit has an opportunity now to sign Guimond to his entry-level deal. If the prospect had started play in the NCAA, that option would be off the table. The collegiate route is now open to CHL players, and clubs risk losing their rights if they transfer in.
Goaltending can require quite a bit of development after the draft. The promising performance of Guimond this past season saw a big step forward in his play. It may be a case where Detroit should consider signing this prospect.
The changes in the NCAA have added some unsavory variables for organizations. It is the one route where an organization cannot retain a player’s rights with an entry-level contract. Now that players can move from pro junior play into college, the possibility of losing a drafted player seems incrementally higher.
Detroit has to watch as Augustine opted out of his entry-level deal and is returning to college for a third season. After this year, the organization may have to make a difficult decision to retain his rights. It may well be in the team’s best interest to sign rising star Guimond and secure another strong option for the rebuild.
