Editor’s Note: This is the fourth installment of a Detroit Hockey Now series assessing the Detroit Red Wings’ prospects’ path to the NHL. The emphasis will be on what their chances are of playing regularly in the NHL and when we can expect to see them wearing the Winged Wheel.

Michal Postava

Position: Goaltender

NHL Draft status: Signed as a free agent out of the Czechia league in the 2025 offseason.

Detroit Hockey Now Ranking: No. 4 Red Wings prospect

Hgt./Wgt: 6-1, 205 pounds

Age/Experience: 24, 33 AHL games (counting postseason).

The Detroit Red Wings’ decision to trade Sebastian Cossa two months ago was really a commonplace event that has happened thousands of times since the NHL launched in 1917.

Cossa had a place on the Red Wings’ depth chart, and a free agent signee from Czechia played well enough to take it from him.

Postava is the No. 3 goalie on Detroit’s depth chart because he earned it. He was more consistent, more unflappable and produced better numbers than 2021 first-round pick Cossa. Unquestionably, Cossa enjoyed a quality AHL season. But Postava was better. More impressive.

I want to think it’s good to know how it was to win it, but I would say it’s different league,

Last Season

In 25 regular season outings and eight postgame games, Postava only gave up more than three goals once. His 1.71 goals-against average included six games giving up no goals, four one-goal games, nine two-goal games and six three-goal contests. He owned a .937 save percentage.

When it came time for the playoffs, Postava was the obvious choice to start.

“I can’t score on him in practice as much as I try… he’s a competitor,” said former Griffins player Eduards Tralmaks who played with Postava last season. “Even if there’s an empty net, he’s gonna basically jump at the puck. He’s just very good with his angles.”

Three Reasons Why Postava Will Play in the NHL

His blend of poise, hockey IQ and athleticism is what you see in NHL goalies. He anticipates what is about to occur and has the quickness to move to where he needs to be.

Postava offers a curious mixture of confidence and humility. Asked about what he learned in winning the Czechia championship, he said: “I want to think it’s good to know how it was to win it, but I would say it’s a different league I am in now.”

He has a history of making spectacular saves at critical moments. That’s how he backstopped Brno Kometa to a Czech league title in 2025

What May Hold Him Back

Trey Augustine may have a stronger skill set than Postava and will push him every step of their climb to Detroit. Augustine could pass him, although based on what Postava has shown thus far he has the mental toughness to battle with Augustine.

ETA

The Red Wings’ decision to sign Daniil Tarasov doesn’t mean we won’t see Postava in Detroit this season. We can’t know for sure until we see who will be charge of the team. But Augustine is too inexperienced to make the jump to Detroit. If John Gibson or Tarasov are injured, Postava is the likely player to be called up.

A new regime could rank players differently, but anyone who watches Postava for an extended period will see he’s an ultimate competitor.

“This guy is going to play in the NHL for a long time,” said Tralmaks, now with the Edmonton Oilers. “I don’t want to put pressure on Postie. . .But I know he’s going to be a big-time player in the future.”

Historically, goalies don’t become NHL regulars until their mid-20s. Could Augustine buck that trend?

“He’s extremely competitive, he’s got that winning pedigree behind his name, and he’s been well coached,” Watson said. “You can tell we’re excited to see what he has.”

This will be his first full pro season, and should render us a much better read on how far away Augustine is from being NHL-ready.