Detroit Red Wings’ 2023 draft pick Trey Augustine is the expected starting goalie for Team USA today against Poland at the World Championships in Czechia (2 p.m., NHL Network).
Augustine, 19, is the youngest American to start in net at the World Championships. He turned 19 less than three months ago. The Michigan native was originally added to the U.S. squad with the idea he would serve as the No. 3 three goalie. But an injury to Red Wings goalie Alex Lyon opened the door to Augustine playing.
He has dressed for all four of USA’s games and played in two of them. Augustine boasts a 1.67 goals-against average (stopped 19 of 21) and .905 save percentage.
The Michigan State sophomore is one of 20 teenagers to play goal at the World Championships. That list includes five Americans:
John Gibson (2013), Rick DiPietro (2001), Mike Dunham (1992), Mike Richter (1986) and Augustine.
Augustine will return to Michigan State this fall for his sophomore season. As a freshman, he posted a 23-9-2 record with a 2.96 goals-against average and .915 save percentage. He’s now generally regarded as one of Detroit’s blue chip prospects.
There’s no timetable for signing him. As a general rule, it takes longer to develop a goalie than forward or defenseman. Having Augustine in a college program gives the Red Wings the option of taking more time to evaluate him. Of course that doesn’t mean the Red Wings won’t sign him after his sophomore season to launch his professional career. Sebastian Cossa was a couple months short of his 20th birthday when he launched his professional career.
The Red Wings have been pleased with Cossa’s development arc with the Toledo Walleye and Grand Rapids Griffins.
