Senators Make Bold Move, Acquire Dylan Cozens from Sabres
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The Ottawa Senators have pulled off a significant trade, acquiring talented young center Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres in a move that has the hockey world buzzing. Along with Cozens, the Senators also receive defenseman Dennis Gilbert and a 2026 second-round pick. In exchange, the Sabres land forward Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker. While both teams hope this deal strengthens their roster, there’s no doubt that Ottawa has emerged as the clear winner here.
Dylan Cozens is a high-potential player who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations since signing a big contract extension. But make no mistake, the 2019 No. 7 overall pick still has all the tools to be a top-tier NHL center. He’s a big, skilled, right-handed shot who can skate well, handle the puck with confidence, and compete hard in both zones. While he may never be an elite offensive producer, his two-way potential and raw talent suggest he has more to offer than what we’ve seen this season. This trade gives him a fresh start in Ottawa, where he could thrive.
On the other hand, Josh Norris is an excellent all-around center with solid skating, strong defensive play, and respectable offensive skills. He’s shown he can be a reliable top-six forward when healthy, but that’s been his biggest issue—staying on the ice. Norris has missed over 100 games in the past two seasons due to injury, raising concerns about his durability. When comparing the two, Cozens has the greater upside, making this trade a smart gamble for the Senators.
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The Sabres’ decision to sell low on Cozens is puzzling. He’s just 24 years old, stands at 6-foot-3, and is only two seasons removed from scoring 31 goals and 68 points. While he hasn’t been at his best lately, moving on from him now—without getting a premium return—feels like a missed opportunity. Norris has been slightly better this season, but the long-term potential still favors Cozens. Adding Bernard-Docker, a depth defenseman with limited offensive upside, doesn’t do much to shift the balance in Buffalo’s favor.
Another crucial factor is the financial aspect. Cozens and Norris have nearly identical contract situations, with five years remaining on their deals. However, Norris carries a slightly higher cap hit ($7.95M AAV vs. $7.1M AAV for Cozens) and has a more restrictive no-trade clause. That extra financial flexibility benefits Ottawa and makes this trade even more favorable for them.
From a tactical standpoint, Cozens’ ability to generate offense at even strength is another edge he holds over Norris. Over the past three seasons, he ranks 97th in five-on-five points per 60 minutes, ahead of well-established players like Nazem Kadri and Brock Boeser. Norris, in contrast, sits at a disappointing 369th, which is concerning given his minutes with Ottawa’s top players.
For Buffalo, this trade feels like another questionable decision in a long list of frustrating moves. The Sabres are on the verge of missing the playoffs for a record 14th consecutive season, and instead of maximizing their assets, they appear to be taking a step backward. While Norris is a solid player, he doesn’t offer the same long-term potential as Cozens. The inclusion of a second-round pick going from Buffalo to Ottawa only adds to the confusion, making this deal even more lopsided.
All in all, the Senators made a strong play here, betting on Cozens’ bounce-back potential and gaining valuable financial flexibility. Meanwhile, the Sabres’ decision to move on from a promising young center at a low point in his value is hard to justify. If Cozens regains his form in Ottawa, this trade could look like a major misstep for Buffalo.
Senators grade: A
Sabres grade: C-
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