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Does Dylan Cozens Actually Matter to the Senators?

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Dec 8, 2025 12:57 PM ET

Since Dylan Cozens came to the Ottawa Senators in the deal that sent Josh Norris the other way last season, from that point on, the Senators steadied themselves. He didn’t drag them to the playoffs single-handed or anything, but he nudged them there, you could see it.”

Because he scores. He pushes play. Ottawa needed that. Needed it badly after the Norris trade left a pretty big hole in the middle of their top six.

The Case FOR Cozens: When Cozens Gets Going, He Moves in a Straight Line

When Cozens gets going, there’s a kind of straight-line determination to him — he’s not dipping and dangling, he’s barreling forward and dragging the puck with him, whether defenders like it or not. Nine goals, 17 points in 27 games… on a Senators team that has had nights where they couldn’t finish a sandwich. That’s meaningful.

And it isn’t just the points. Cozens looks like a player who rebuilt himself over the summer. You can see little edges in his skating stride that weren’t there last year in Buffalo. He’s hunting the puck again, not waiting for it to find him. I think Sam Gagner deserves a Christmas card for the work he did with him — there’s a sharper, more determined version of Cozens this year, and it’s noticeable even on TV.

One thing I love — and maybe this is old-school of me — is that he’s winning faceoffs. Over 53 percent. That sets the table in so many small ways. Ottawa starts with the puck more often because he’s out there.

The Case AGAINST Cozens: Not Yet… Not Until He Cleans Up the Other Half

And here’s where things get sticky. Cozens leaks chances against. Not just the odd mistake — everybody makes those — but long stretches where his line gets pinned and can’t sort out the chaos. He’s been minus-12 in 27 games. And I heard the argument against plus/minus mattering. Still, sometimes the old stats tell the same story as the new ones.

At five-on-five, he’s really struggling. The Senators get outscored when he’s out there. And when he’s not out there? Ottawa looks like a much more composed team. That’s a red flag.

On a personal note, I’ve heard an old coach say, “You can be as fast as you want in the neutral zone, but if you can’t sort it out in your own end, you’re just decorating the game.” Cozens decorates a bit. He cheats for offense. Tries to create before the puck is actually willing to move.

And here’s the kicker: Travis Green has been sheltering him. It’s Shane Pinto doing the heavy lifting, taking the ugly defensive minutes. Cozens is getting the softer looks.

If Cozens wants to really matter, he’s going to have to take a chunk of those minutes eventually. And not drown in them.

So… Does Cozens Make a Difference?

Yes is the answer. Still, he tips the scale offensively and tips it back the other way defensively. The difference he makes is real, but it’s unstable — like a team walking on fresh ice before it’s fully frozen.

He’ll matter more when he stops giving back what he creates. And honestly, he’s close. You can feel it some nights.

Until then, the Senators get a thrilling player who might end up being the deciding factor in where their season goes — for better or for worse.

Your choice of which side you land depends on the game you watch. Tomorrow’s game might be different.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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