NHL Insider Kevin Weekes reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs are showing interest in acquiring Buffalo Sabres forward.
With the NHL Trade Deadline approaching, it’s clear the Maple Leafs are in dire need of a center. While they’ve been linked to several potential targets, top star has recently emerged as the latest name. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 210 pounds, Cozens brings size and a knack for scoring.
Now in his fifth NHL season, he had a breakout performance in 2022-23, tallying 31 goals and 68 points despite playing for a struggling Sabres team. Buffalo has been one of the league’s worst franchises, missing the playoffs every year since 2011 with little hope of ending that drought this season.
His biggest challenge has been consistency. Aside from his standout 2022-23 season, his production has been modest, with fewer than 20 goals in his other campaigns, and he’s on pace for similar numbers this year.
However, he might simply be underperforming due to his environment. The Sabres have a history of trading away talent before it fully develops, as seen with Ryan O’Reilly, Jack Eichel, and Sam Reinhart. The same pattern applies to Linus Ullmark, who could have been their top goaltender but found success elsewhere.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Are Linked to Dylan Cozens
If the Sabres had held on to players like Ryan O’Reilly, Jack Eichel, and Sam Reinhart while continuing to develop young talent such as Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and JJ Peterka, the franchise might have a completely different reputation today. Instead, Buffalo has become the NHL’s perennial punchline.
With a track record of players flourishing and even winning Stanley Cups shortly after leaving Buffalo, Dylan Cozens could be the next to thrive elsewhere. The Maple Leafs appear ready to pay a premium to acquire him.
While Cozens’ $7.1 million contract might seem hefty, it could actually be a smart investment. He’s signed through 2030, and with the salary cap expected to rise significantly, this deal has the potential to become a team-friendly bargain if Cozens reaches his full potential.
The Leafs have plenty of cap space for next season, but fitting Cozens in under this year’s cap would require some maneuvering. A deal would likely involve moving players like David Kämpf or Max Domi to offset most of Cozens’ salary.
Cozens possesses elite offensive skills and projects as either a low-end first-line center or a top-tier second-line center—potentially even more. Slotting him behind Auston Matthews and pairing him with talents like Mitch Marner or William Nylander could unlock new levels in his game. While he’s not known for his defensive play, Cozens would be an ideal long-term successor to John Tavares and would help extend Toronto’s championship window.
That said, he’s not the superstar the Leafs truly need, and improving the defense should remain the top priority. Personally, I’d prefer this trade doesn’t happen. However, opportunities to land players of Cozens’ caliber rarely arise unless you’re picking in the top 10 of the draft. The price would likely include Easton Cowan and additional assets, but with rivals adding stars like Mikko Rantanen and J.T. Miller, the Leafs may feel pressured to make a move.
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