Sabres Rumors: Is Dylan Cozens on the Trade Block?

The Buffalo Sabres are facing another challenging season, struggling with consistency and currently sitting outside the playoff picture. The team’s 13-year postseason drought and recent struggles have ignited rumors surrounding potential roster changes, including the possibility of trading Dylan Cozens, a key member of the Sabres’ young core.

Friedman Sparks Speculation

On the 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman revealed that teams have inquired about Cozens amid the Sabres’ struggles:

“The Buffalo fans right now, they are all over Dylan Cozens,” Friedman said. “And I do think teams have asked about Cozens this year.”

This statement has fueled speculation about whether the Sabres would consider moving on from the 23-year-old forward.

Dylan Cozens: A Star in the Making?

Cozens, drafted seventh overall in 2019, was viewed as a cornerstone for the Sabres’ rebuild. His breakout 2022-23 season showcased his potential:

• 2022-23 Stats: 31 goals, 37 assists (68 points) in 81 games.
• Shooting Percentage: A remarkable 14.7%, which has proven difficult to replicate.

Since then, however, his production has dropped significantly:

• Last 107 Games: 24 goals, 36 assists (60 points).

While the decline is concerning, it’s worth noting that Cozens is still young and developing. His inconsistency, combined with the Sabres’ lackluster start, has frustrated fans and fueled trade rumors.

Should the Sabres Trade Cozens?

Despite the speculation, moving Cozens may not be in the Sabres’ best interest for several reasons:

1. Contract Stability: Cozens is locked in through 2030 on a $7.1 million annual cap hit, covering his prime years.
2. Young Core Development: The Sabres are building around young talents like Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Tage Thompson. Trading Cozens would disrupt this foundation.
3. Future Potential: Cozens’ early promise suggests he can rebound from his current slump, especially as the Sabres move into their competitive window.

Trading Cozens now would signal a lack of faith in their rebuild and risk alienating the fanbase. Unlike situations like the Panthers’ Huberdeau-for-Tkachuk trade, the Sabres are far from being a contender, making such a move premature.

Cozens’ Path Forward

For Cozens to put these rumors to rest, he needs to find a middle ground between his stellar 2022-23 performance and his current struggles. Improvements in his overall game, including consistency and shot selection, will be key.

The Sabres also need to focus on surrounding him with complementary talent to maximize his effectiveness and accelerate the team’s progress toward contention.

While Dylan Cozens’ recent struggles and the Sabres’ lack of success have sparked trade speculation, the organization would be wise to stay the course. Trading away a promising young talent at this stage would hinder their rebuild and signal desperation rather than a calculated move toward improvement.

As Buffalo’s competitive window begins to open, Cozens should remain a critical part of their future—provided he can bounce back and deliver consistent performances. For now, the Sabres’ best play is patience.Cozens must improve his game quickly to shut these rumors down. The Sabres may be joining the New York Jets in the 14-year club this year, but the results from younger players are more important. Cozens needs to find the middle between his unsustainable 2022-23 season and his poor 2024-25 campaign.