Buffalo Sabres
Red Wings Reportedly Eyeing Sabres’ Cozens Amid Trade Rumors
The Detroit Red Wings are rumored to have their sights set on a Dylan Cozens trade with the Buffalo Sabres. Is there anything cooking here?
According to Elliotte Friedman in his latest 32 Thoughts written column, “I believe the Buffalo player the Red Wings were (are?) looking at is Dylan Cozens.” Several teams have been linked to a potential Cozens trade, even if the Sabres have not committed to trading the center yet.
Red Wings’ general manager, Steve Yzerman, potentially sees Cozens as a solution to improve the center position behind captain Dylan Larkin. The Red Wings want young, skilled talent to grow with the team as they try to turn around their fortunes and become a regular contender. The Sabres are feeling the heat to get better, and that could mean an ill-advised trade.
Cozens, 23, has been an interesting player since entering the NHL. He’s shown signs of being a potential star, particularly during the 2023-24 season when he notched 31 goals and 68 points. However, his performance has dipped. The moment he signed a lucrative contract extension, he wasn’t able to repeat the same level of production.
The Sabres may consider a move if they feel Cozens’ recent struggles are more than a sign this is a temporary blip. From Detroit’s perspective, adding Cozens could be a smart gamble where a fresh start would do the young center wonders. It could also be a risk, should Cozens fail to reach the same heights as he did in one solid season.
Cozens is currently on pace for 40 points and 16 goals. Some of that might have to do with the lack of success as a team in Buffalo, but some of it might simply be that Cozens isn’t the 30-goal guy some people thought he was.
Is Cozens Part of Yzmerman’s Plan in Detroit?
The Red Wings have been actively reshaping their roster in the hopes of finding consistency and a path to the playoffs. It sounds like Yzerman has prioritized finding a second-line center. Cozens maybe that player, but what is the cost of acquiring him?
It remains unclear what Buffalo might seek in return for Cozens, but Detroit has assets, including draft picks and prospects. Assuming they send an active roster member back in the trade, they have the cap space to make a deal as well.
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, this rumor might be one to watch closely.
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