Anthony Cosmo is regarded as one of the NLL’s premier goalies; however it has not
always been this way throughout his 12 year career. After backing up Bob Watson in
Toronto, Cosmo spent time with the San Jose Stealth and Boston Blazers proving
himself an all-star worthy starting tender in the process. After failing to report to the
Minnesota Swarm, who chose him in the Blazers dispersal draft, he was sent to the
Bufalo Bandits for a 1st round draft pick in both 2013 and 2014. Cosmo posted a 3-3
record in the 2012 season, while Mike Thompson also saw time between the pipes.
With Mike Thompson announcing his retirement in the of-season, Cosmo is now
solidiï¬ed as Bufalo’s starter.
It will be important for him to prove his worth as a starter in 2013. Despite it being his second season in the black and orange, this year he will officially be taking over the reins for Thompson, who departs the Bandits second in franchise history in both wins and saves.
The value of the picks that were given up cannot be evaluated until at least the 2014
season. However, the Swarm still can be looked at as the early winners of the Cosmo
trade. Minnesota already had three ï¬rst round picks in the recent 2012 NLL entry draft
(two were acquired in a trade that sent Josh Sanderson to Toronto) and will also have
an extra ï¬rst rounder in both 2013 and 2014 thanks to the Cosmo deal.
The Swarm also appear to have no issues in the goaltending department, with young prospects Evan Kirk and Tyler Carlson both showing signs of a bright future. However, despite both showing promise in the 2012 season Kirk and Carlson do not posses the veteran experience Cosmo can bring to the table. Minnesota will most likely see the most proï¬t from this deal down the road, but if Cosmo can return to the elite level he has shown
in the past the Bandits have an opportunity to see immediate impact from the trade.
Cosmo has had his fair share of doubters throughout his career and there is no doubt
they will be out in full force for the 2013 season.
He ended his ï¬rst season as a Bandit losing 7-6 in overtime to the Toronto Rock in the eastern division semi-ï¬nals, despite a 48 save performance. Cosmo will have to make those types of performances a regular occurrence this year. While he has proven himself to be one of the best starters in the league, Cosmo must lead the Bandits to success this year in order to remain in the upper echelon of NLL goalies.
