The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively exploring the trade market for a middle-six center, with Buffalo Sabres’ Star emerging as the latest name linked to the team. Since at least November, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has been focused on strengthening the team’s depth down the middle. Several players have surfaced in trade rumors, including Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken, and Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers. However, Cozens stands out as perhaps the biggest name connected to Toronto so far this season.
A New Name on the List
According to ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to a rising star with the Buffalo Sabres. The 23-year-old is in his fifth NHL season and has put together some strong campaigns, though his production has dipped slightly this year. In 53 games, Cozens has tallied 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points, marking a decline compared to his previous seasons.
Cozens hit his career peak during the 2022-23 season, when he notched 31 goals and 68 points, finishing fifth in team scoring. That year, the Sabres were competitive, finishing just one point shy of the Florida Panthers, who went on to reach the Stanley Cup Final. However, Buffalo has regressed significantly this season. They are one of the few Eastern Conference teams out of the wild-card race, sitting 11 points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the final spot and the only team yet to reach 50 points. This overall team slump has affected nearly every player’s performance, including Cozens.
Despite the downturn, Cozens remains a versatile and impactful player. Standing at 6-foot-3, he brings a physical edge, unafraid to battle in the corners and play with grit. His feisty style could mesh well with Leafs head coach Craig Berube’s system. With plenty of room for growth and considerable upside, Cozens could be an ideal fit to bolster Toronto’s middle-six depth.
What Will Toronto Need To Give Up for Cozens?
Acquiring Dylan Cozens won’t come cheap for the Toronto Maple Leafs, given his youth, talent, and the long-term potential he brings. General manager Brad Treliving would need to part with significant assets to make a deal happen. Without a 2025 first-round pick, Toronto would likely have to include a future first-rounder, along with one of their top prospects—most notably Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten.
Cowan may be the more appealing trade chip due to his impressive junior career. Last season, he tallied 34 goals and 96 points in 54 OHL games with the London Knights, helping them reach the Memorial Cup final. This season, the 19-year-old has continued to shine with 18 goals and 40 points in just 29 games. Additionally, he played a key role for Team Canada at the 2025 World Junior Championship, recording three points in five games.
Cozens carries a $7.1 million cap hit for the next five seasons after this one. With the salary cap projected to rise over the next few years, his contract shouldn’t be a long-term issue. However, fitting him under the current cap is a challenge. The Leafs have $3.8 million in cap space, largely due to players on LTIR, meaning they’d need to send salary back to Buffalo to balance the books. Max Domi could be part of the return, but his 13-team no-trade list might complicate matters if Buffalo is on it.
While several moving parts need to align for this deal to materialize, Cozens would be a significant addition to Toronto’s lineup, making it an intriguing scenario to watch.
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