Hope everyone had a great Christmas and Santa was good to everyone! The Christmas trade freeze lifts tomorrow, but that hasn’t stopped the NHL rumor mill from churning over the break. With the Detroit Red Wings hiring their new coach, Todd McLellan, yesterday, rumors are swirling that the Red Wings have interest in Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens.
This would be a significant move for the Red Wings, signaling their intent to compete seriously in the rapidly improving Eastern Conference. Cozens, a powerful and skilled center, would be a valuable addition to their lineup. He’s exactly the kind of player a young team needs – someone with a proven track record of contributing offensively and capable of playing a strong two-way game.
Why Dylan Cozens Makes Sense for the Detroit Red Wings
Cozens would likely slot into the Red Wings’ second line, playing with Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane. This would give Detroit a potent offensive punch, with DeBrincat’s scoring prowess and Kane’s playmaking ability complementing Cozens’ all-around game.
It’s no secret that the Sabres have struggled mightily this season, enduring a 13-game losing streak before finally snapping it with a 7-1 win over the New York Islanders. Despite this recent victory, they remain far out of playoff contention. A change of scenery could be just what Cozens needs to reignite his development. After a breakout season a couple of years ago with over 30 goals and nearly 70 points, his production has dipped noticeably.
However, the Red Wings aren’t the only team interested in acquiring his services. Reports suggest that the Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Calgary Flames are also in the mix. With this much competition, the return for Buffalo is sure to be substantial. The big question is, will GM Kevyn Adams pull the trigger and trade Cozens?
The Price is High for a Cozens trade
If I were Steve Yzerman, I’d be willing to pay a hefty price to bring Cozens to Detroit. He’s the type of young, impact player you build a franchise around. A package including a first-round pick, and a high-end prospect, might be enough to entice the Sabres.
Of course, any trade comes with risks. Cozens needs to rediscover his scoring touch, and there’s always the possibility that he doesn’t mesh with his new teammates. But the potential reward is too great to ignore. Adding Cozens would significantly bolster the Red Wings’ lineup and accelerate their rebuild.
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7.1 million, 6 years for a guy who hasnt really done anything. This would cost Yzerman his job. Not even worth a 7th RD pick. NO WAY
Sabres want vets in a trade. They are blaming their woes on too many young players not enough vets. The cap is going up at least $4.4M next year.
So look for the trade to include a 2nd/3rd line center (or 2nd line winger) + 4th line (cheaper) vet (or perhaps a vet d-man) + 2nd round draft pick + good prospect. Detroit has Compher, Copp, and Tarasenko as vets that fit this request. If Detroit deals a player with term and salary left–say Copp (2.5 yrs @$5.625M) or Compher (3.5yrs @$5.1M) or even Tarasenko (1.5yrs @$4.75M) then the $7.1M is easier to absorb. Throw in a 4th liner like say Veleno (1.5yrs @$2.275M) or a vet d-man (Chiarot 1.5@$4.75M or Gustafsson ([email protected]) and Cozens’ contract isn’t the albatross you think. Detroit also has 2 picks that are essentially have the same ceiling Kasper and Danielson so one could be expendable.
If Yzerman offers: Compher + Chiarot + Berggren + high 2nd (Detroit’s 2025) I think that’s a decent package (good 3rd line center + good 3rd pair d-man (okay 2nd pair if necessary but can play both sides of the point) + 2nd line ceiling young wing + pick in the 30’s. Throw in Veleno if necessary.
Or structure it around trading a Kasper or Danielson and getting rid of a Copp contract.
Would definitely be interested in such a trade. I would move one of DeBrincat or Kasper or Danielson and this years 2025 first for Dylan Cozens.