The Calgary Flames are heating up the NHL trade rumor mill, with their sights reportedly set on Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens. Flames GM Craig Conroy has publicly expressed his desire to acquire a young center with term remaining on his contract, fueling speculation that Cozens could be the perfect fit.
Cozens, the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, possesses undeniable skill and potential. He burst onto the scene with a 31-goal, 68-point campaign just two seasons ago. However, his production has dipped this year, leading to frustration among Sabres fans and raising questions about his future in Buffalo.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently confirmed on his “32 Thoughts” podcast that teams have been inquiring about Cozens’ availability. “Buffalo fans are all over Dylan Cozens. They’re all over him,” Friedman noted. “I do think teams have asked about Cozens this year.”
What Would a Dylan Cozens Trade Look Like with the Calgary Flames?
Acquiring a player of Cozens’ caliber won’t come cheap. He’s currently in the second year of a seven-year contract with a $7.1 million annual cap hit. One rumored trade package involves the Flames sending Andrei Kuzmenko, prospect Sam Honzek, and their 2025 first-round pick (originally belonging to the New Jersey Devils) to Buffalo in exchange for Cozens. However, it’s possible the Flames may need to sweeten the deal by including their own 2025 first-round pick instead.
This potential trade raises several intriguing questions. Can the Flames afford Cozens’ contract long-term? Would parting ways with Kuzmenko and a first-round pick be too steep a price to pay? And what does this mean for the future of the Sabres, who are looking to build a competitive core?
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the intensity of these rumors is only going to increase. Keep a close eye on this developing situation, as a Cozens trade could significantly impact both the Flames and the Sabres.
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