Insider Talks Hurdle as Cozens Near-Perfect Trade Fit for Flames

NHL insider Frank Seravalli was asked on Thursday which team stands out for him as a best-fit potential suitor for Dylan Cozens in trade; the Calgary Flames topped his list. His fellow Daily Faceoff contributor, Matt Larkin, had the Flames mixed in with the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, and Vancouver Canucks. But, it was Calgary that Seravalli deemed nearly a perfect fit.

Noting that the Flames are really on the hunt for a center, Seravalli said, “I think they’re one of the teams that’s been calling and checking in on Cozens and seeing what that price looks like.” He explained that Calgary has set the parameters of what they want, which includes a right shot center, and Cozens fits their wish list.

But, there is risk involved in this trade.

Seravalli adds, “I think the bigger question I have about Cozens is what is he and what is a reasonable level of production.” He talked about how the forward posted 31 goals and 68 points two seasons ago, but of late, his production hasn’t come close.

Seravalli explained:

And, so, it’s not just a goal-scoring thing or a point-production thing. It’s when you’re going to make a trade and give up assets for someone like Cozens, what are you betting on? “What level are you betting that he’s going to get to with your organization?”

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What Is The Risk vs. Reward for the Flames With Cozens?

Calgary has the desire to add to their mix, and Coznes sounds like the right fit, checking several boxes. That said, this isn’t a slam-dunk deal. The Flames must consider what the Sabres will want and how much GM Craig Conroy believes Cozens is the 30-goal guy and not the player he’s shown himself to be over the last two seasons.

It’s one thing to have cap space and a willingness to try things. It’s another to gamble on a player with a big salary and term, only to be wrong. And, if the Flames give up serious assets to land Cozens, it could set them back quite a bit.

Next: Bruins Join Pettersson and Miller Trade Talks With Canucks