As the NHL trade deadline approaches, rumors begin to swirl around teams looking to improve their rosters for a playoff push or retool for the future. For the Montreal Canadiens (Habs), a team in the midst of a rebuilding phase, this time of year is especially crucial in determining how they will continue to shape their roster. One of the more intriguing rumors that has emerged in recent weeks involves the Canadiens potentially making a trade with the Buffalo Sabres for young star center Dylan Cozens.
Cozens, who was drafted 7th overall by the Sabres in the 2019 NHL Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance in his early career. His skill set, combined with his size and two-way ability, has made him a player to watch in Buffalo. With the Sabres showing signs of improvement, particularly in their offense, many have wondered if Cozens might become available in a trade, and whether the Canadiens could be a potential suitor.
In this blog post, we will dive into the rumors surrounding the potential trade between the Canadiens and Sabres, examining what the Habs could be looking for in Cozens, what Buffalo might want in return, and the implications this deal could have on both teams’ futures.
Who is Dylan Cozens?
Dylan Cozens is a 22-year-old center who has already established himself as a solid two-way player for the Buffalo Sabres. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 201 pounds, Cozens brings a combination of size, speed, and skill to the ice. His development has been steady, with each season showing incremental growth in his point production and overall play.
Cozens is known for his ability to drive the play offensively while also being responsible defensively. This rare balance of skills has made him a highly sought-after player in the league. In the 2023-2024 season, Cozens has continued to develop, contributing both offensively and on the defensive side of the puck. His offensive stats, especially in power-play situations, have been impressive, and he has become a key part of Buffalo’s attack.
His versatility makes him a valuable asset for any team. Cozens can play on the top or middle six, offering flexibility in line combinations. Furthermore, he’s still on a relatively affordable entry-level contract, which makes him an attractive trade target for teams looking to acquire a young, promising player without breaking the bank.
Why the Canadiens are Interested in Cozens
The Montreal Canadiens, while in the early stages of their rebuild, have a clear need for a top-two center to accelerate their progress. The Habs have been searching for a dynamic, offensive-minded center since the departure of key players like Max Pacioretty and Tomas Plekanec. While players like Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach have stepped up in prominent roles, the addition of a player like Dylan Cozens could give the Canadiens another high-end forward to complement their young core.
Cozens would bring much-needed depth to Montreal’s forward group. With Suzuki anchoring the top line and Dach providing support in the middle six, adding Cozens would give the Canadiens an even stronger group down the middle of the ice. This would make the team more difficult to defend and would increase the pressure on opposing defenses.
Additionally, Cozens’ age aligns with Montreal’s focus on youth. The Canadiens are committed to building a team that can contend for the long term, and Cozens fits that mold perfectly. His combination of skill, size, and two-way responsibility could make him a foundational piece for Montreal’s future, alongside Suzuki, Dach, Cole Caufield, and the other young players the team is developing.
Cozens’ potential to grow into a legitimate top-line center is another factor that could attract Montreal. While he’s not quite there yet, his trajectory suggests that with the right development and opportunity, he could reach that level in the near future. For a team like the Canadiens, who are looking to build through youth, Cozens represents a player with a high ceiling and the type of asset they could build around.
What Could Montreal Offer in Return?
If the Canadiens are serious about acquiring Dylan Cozens, they would need to put together a package that entices the Buffalo Sabres. Given Cozens’ age, skill, and potential, the Sabres are unlikely to part with him without receiving significant value in return. While the specifics of a potential deal would depend on the Sabres’ needs and preferences, several possible assets come to mind for Montreal.
- Draft Picks: The Canadiens have a plethora of draft picks, and giving up high picks could be a way to make this trade work. Given that the Canadiens are still in the early stages of their rebuild, they may be willing to part with one or more first-round picks if the return is valuable enough.
- Young Players: The Sabres might also be looking for a player who is ready to step into their lineup right away. Someone like Juraj Slafkovsky, the Canadiens’ 2022 first overall pick, could be a target. While Slafkovsky hasn’t fully realized his potential yet, he still has considerable upside. Alternatively, players like Kaiden Guhle or Arber Xhekaj could be appealing to Buffalo, as both are young, defensive-minded players who have the potential to make an immediate impact.
- Prospects: Another option for Montreal would be to offer a top-tier prospect. Players like Sean Farrell, Riley Kidney, or Joshua Roy could be intriguing options for the Sabres as they look to continue building for the future.
A deal that includes one or more of these assets, along with draft picks, might be enough to get the Sabres’ attention. It’s also possible that Montreal might have to include additional pieces or make other adjustments depending on the Sabres’ evaluation of Cozens’ value and their desire to maintain their competitive edge.
What Would Cozens Bring to the Canadiens?
If Montreal were able to acquire Dylan Cozens, he would immediately become a key piece of the Canadiens’ forward group. Cozens would provide additional scoring depth, which has been one of Montreal’s weaknesses in recent years. With players like Suzuki and Caulfield already forming a dangerous duo, adding a player like Cozens could give Montreal three legitimate scoring threats on different lines.
Cozens’ size and physicality would also make him a strong complement to other players on the team. While not known for his physical play, Cozens has the ability to use his body effectively along the boards and in front of the net. His versatility allows him to be deployed in a variety of roles, whether it’s in a top-line capacity or as a secondary scoring option.
Additionally, Cozens’ two-way play would bolster Montreal’s defense, as he is known for his commitment in the defensive zone. His ability to play both ends of the ice would be an asset to head coach Martin St. Louis, who has stressed the importance of all-around responsibility.
Conclusion
The Montreal Canadiens have an exciting opportunity in front of them, with a young core of players developing into stars. Acquiring Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres would be a significant move in accelerating that process. Cozens’ skill, size, and two-way play make him an intriguing option for Montreal as they look to build a competitive team for the future.
While it remains to be seen whether this trade rumor will come to fruition, it’s clear that the Canadiens are in a position to make a deal if the price is right. Whether this potential trade will involve high draft picks, young players, or a combination of assets, it is a move that could have lasting implications for both teams. As the deadline approaches, it will be interesting to see how the situation evolves and whether the Canadiens can land one of the league’s brightest young stars.