NHL Rumors: When Will Dylan Cozens Get Traded?

The vultures are circling the Buffalo Sabres and forward Dylan Cozens. As RG has reported, the Sabres and Nashville Predators had discussions about Cozens and what the actual price would be if the two teams actually did make a trade. There was momentum building towards a trade before the Holiday Trade Freeze.

And it makes sense too considering Cozens’s age and the position he plays. He is 23 years old and one of the better young centers in the league. The seventh overall pick from the 2019 NHL Draft is in the midst of a seven year contract worth $49.7 million that carries an AAV of $7.1 million.

In 36 games with the Sabres this season he has 19 points (eight goals and 11 assists). For his career he has 184 points (74 goals and 111 assists) in 316 games.

The Predators moved out defenseman Alexandre Carrier to the Montreal Canadiens in order to create more cap space to utilize moving forward. As a source told RG, “they are clearing cap space for something. It may not be for right now, but it’s coming.” 

It appeared they were lining up some trades starting in the new calendar year of 2025. As Predators General Manager Barry Trotz said after the trade, “Don’t be surprised if we make a move. If there is the right piece, I’m going to add it. I want to make our team better. I want to win; I don’t want to lose.”

Vancouver Canucks: Vancouver Canucks Looking to Change Their Mix

Montreal Canadiens: NHL Rumors: Jake Evans and Other Montreal Canadiens Players Drawing Interest

Calgary Flames: Calgary Flames Weighing All Trade Options

As Full Press Hockey reported prior to the freeze, the deal was close to happening, but the teams could not cross the finish line. They could revisit this once the trade freeze is lifted. But it may cost the Predators a player like Tommy Novak.

However, the Predators are not the only team looking for his services. Another team that has the cap space like the Predators is the Calgary Flames. 

The Flames are looking for center help especially a right shot defenseman. As GM Craig Conroy mentioned in an interview with RG he is willing to move a first round pick for the right age appropriate player. Not to mention he would move one of his first round picks for the right positional player as well.

The Flames like the Predators have the cap space to acquire his services. Not to mention to teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and the Chicago Blackhawks, both of whom have high level talent in Connor Bedard and Matvei Michkov. Both teams have the cap space to make things work.

Again this is a player that the Buffalo Sabres covet. Sabres GM Kevyn Adams will be hesitant to move Dylan Cozens considering the history of draft picks getting and thriving in another city. So if a team wants Cozens it will cost them a hefty package.

However, all eyes will be on Dylan Cozens as the NHL Trade Freeze is lifted and as the calendar flips to 2025.

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