If there’s one team I believe will make a strong push to acquire Sabres center, it’s the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings lack enough gritty players to bring the intimidation factor necessary for the critical stretch of the season, making Cozens a valuable addition.
If Buffalo trades him, the acquiring team would be getting a high-upside player capable of scoring 30-plus goals a season. However, realistically, his ceiling might be more suited for depth scoring and middle-six minutes.
Had he been on track for a breakout year following last season’s struggles, he could be categorized as one of those “championship-caliber” players when physicality ramps up. He’s also improving in faceoffs, which could make him a reliable option in defensive-zone situations.
At this point, though, it’s evident that Buffalo isn’t in a position to carry niche players in their lineup. While the team once appeared to have a more established core, it’s now clear that they are still a work in progress.
Winnipeg Jets
Right now, there isn’t a team I’m more confident in to win the Stanley Cup than Winnipeg. The Jets lead the league in both scoring and goals allowed, and they could stand pat if they wanted to. But why not look for ways to improve?
Or get more physical? Currently, the Jets aren’t even averaging 20 hits per game, but acquiring Cozens—who has 121 hits—would immediately help in that department. While they could still use another hard-hitting forward or defenseman, Cozens delivers over two body checks per game, which would be a big boost on its own.
Offensively, he has just 11 goals this season, but being surrounded by Winnipeg’s high-powered attack could reignite the dynamic player we’ve seen before. The Jets don’t necessarily need to make a move, but I expect them to—and a significant one at that.
The big question is what Buffalo would get in return. A contender like Winnipeg isn’t likely to part with key players given the season they’re having, so a deal might revolve around draft picks and prospects. But at this point, that “draft pick and prospect” approach should probably be a thing of the past.
St. Louis Blues
Because making bold moves for underperforming players is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Doug Armstrong, right? Just look at Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway, or even Jim Montgomery.
So when I say Dylan Cozens could be a target for the retooling Blues, I’m not joking. The real question—one I feel like I keep repeating—is what Buffalo would get in return. There’s no more time to stockpile draft picks or long-term projects unless those prospects can step in and contribute next season.
Unless we’re talking about the inconsistent Jordan Kyrou, but if he were involved, expect Armstrong to demand more than just Cozens in return. Sure, he’s willing to take risks, but if GM Kevyn Adams were to send Cozens to St. Louis, he’d need to get something substantial back, even if it means moving additional assets.
The most likely trade chips for the Blues would be their older veterans—Colton Parayko, Brayden Schenn, or Nick Leddy, just to name a few. But for a Sabres team that should prioritize younger, NHL-ready talent, none of those names seem particularly appealing.
Vancouver Canucks
We all know where this is going, right? If Dylan Cozens were traded to the Vancouver Canucks, Elias Pettersson would almost certainly be part of the discussion—and plenty of players would be thrilled if that happened.
Of course, this deal would require more than just Cozens, but with Pettersson expected to spark a bidding war at the trade deadline, it would be fascinating to see just how many assets get moved around. Even if Pettersson weren’t involved, Brock Boeser would be an excellent consolation prize.
No, Boeser isn’t Pettersson, but he’d come at a lower cost and is still young enough to fit into Buffalo’s potential championship window. Why not dream big? Either way, landing Pettersson or Boeser would be an upgrade over Cozens.
Unlike the other teams mentioned, the Canucks have more immediate value to offer the Sabres. Sure, a draft pick or prospect might be included, but Vancouver is the most likely team to send proven NHL talent to Buffalo.