Brad Treliving Urged to Pry Young Star Center After Latest Elliotte Friedman Report
The struggling Buffalo Sabres are going to be a few years away from success, however they do have some young pieces that could help the Toronto Maple Leafs in a big way.
The Sabres attempt at building a playoff roster have continued to fail in producing a team that can compete in the tough Atlantic Division, having not played the NHL playoffs since 2011.
Despite being on their sixth head coach since Lindy Ruff's original run, the Sabres have continued to not perform to expectations.
One player who may be on the trading block if Buffalo continues to not deliver could be a major asset for the Toronto Maple Leafs to target.
Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that teams are interested in Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens.
I do think teams have asked about Cozens this year and if I'm Adams and the Sabres, I'm worried if we trade him does he become the next guy (like O'Reilly, Eichel & Reinhart and go win a Cup)?"
Who Is Dylan Cozens?
The former first round pick being a player that will garner interest on the market, but may be a risk that Buffalo may try to avoid given their history being in this sort of situation with a young skilled forward.
Currently, Buffalo is in sixth in the Atlantic with 26 points in 28 games, one point back of the Montreal Canadiens in last place.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, also in the Atlantic Division and in second place, are looking for forwards options, and could fit the goal of Toronto to find a top forward who could be a second or third line center.
However, his contract sees him currently making $7.1M until 2030 and may get in the way as Buffalo will want heavy assets.
Forwards are an area the Sabres have depth in their lineup and prospect pool, but the Leafs don't have a strong young defensive crop, and don't have a first rounder this year.
There are three Sabres draft picks in the Top 20 of NHL points, with former second overall picks Jack Eichel & Sam Reinhart at 4th and 5th respectively, and fifth-rounder Brandon Hagel at 20th.
None of those three are currently members of the Buffalo Sabres, and have found a multitude of success only once they left the confines of upstate New York.
Buffalo has consistently been a team with young talent that after taking a step back get rid of a top asset to potentially be contenders in the future. When it doesn't happen, it's rinse and repeat yet again.
12 active Sabres players have gone on to win the Stanley Cup since playing for the team, including Reinhart and Eichel, as well as Ryan O'Reilly & Brandon Montour.
Buffalo, despite not making the playoff in this time, have succeeded in producing talented players, but haven't built themselves into a winner which may be why they're hesitant on Cozens this time.
Cozens had 6 goals and 13 points in 28 games for the Buffalo Sabres this season.
In five NHL seasons, Cozens has 72 goals, along with 107 goals, and 179 points in 308 career games played. Cozens was drafted seventh overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
Internationally, Cozens has won gold for Canada at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2020 World Juniors.
He has also won Silver at the 2021 World Juniors with a team leading 16 points, and won second a year later at the World Championships.
| POLL | ||
Should the Maple Leafs pursue Dylan Cozens? | ||
| Yes | 567 | 56 % |
| No | 446 | 44 % |
| List of polls | ||
