Jake Cossa, the 23-year-old netminder who spent the last season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, has officially signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Utah Mammoth. The deal was announced on Tuesday, marking the latest move in a busy offseason for the franchise.
A New Chapter for the Goalie
Cossa cited the positive impressions he received from teammate Dylan Guenther as a key factor in his decision, recalling their shared experience on the Edmonton Oil Kings from 2019 to 2022.
General manager Bill Armstrong praised Cossa’s upside, stating that the goaltender possesses the potential to become a cornerstone for the club. Armstrong noted that the organization had been tracking Cossa’s development for several years before the trade was finalized.
The acquisition came as part of a larger transaction that saw the Mammoth send a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Detroit Red Wings. Cossa’s AHL performance included a 2.33 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage and five shutouts across 39 games.
In his NHL debut on December 9, 2024, Cossa turned aside 14 shots in a 6-5 shootout victory over the Buffalo Sabres, showcasing his readiness for the next level.
Karel Vejmelka, who posted a 2.75 GAA and .897 save percentage in 64 regular-season appearances last year, will remain the team’s No. 1 goaltender. Cossa is expected to compete for the No. 2 role, providing depth and insurance as the Mammoth build on their first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance.
Looking Forward
With the offseason underway, the Mammoth are focused on integrating new pieces and maintaining the momentum from their recent playoff run. Cossa’s addition is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the goaltending corps and add a reliable option behind Vejmelka.