Folks, it's that time of year again. The Buffalo Sabres are out of playoff contention again, fueled by franchise incompetence and an overwhelming Atlantic Division. With that comes the annual sell-off, a Buffalo tradition that's become as popular as buffalo chicken wings (fortunately, Josh Allen and the Bills aren't involved in this ritual). With these trade rumors comes an endless amount of speculation.
Who's getting traded to where?
Who's next to go?
One of those names happens to be Dylan Cozens. The run-and-gun forward has six goals and seven assists this season, making him one of the more valuable trade options. He's also 23 years old, adding to his value. It's no wonder countless teams are inquiring about his availability.
According to @FriedgeHNIC, the Sabres are getting calls on Dylan Cozens and he is "legitimately wanted." pic.twitter.com/HBkgDTC8bl
— The Charging Buffalo (@TheChargingBUF) December 13, 2024
Could that mean Kelly McCrimmon makes a call? Will fans see Jack Eichel and Cozens reunite for more seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights? It's possible given the Sabres's current state of affairs and the 23-year-old's viability. After all, McCrimmon loves younger players who outperform their respective contracts.
Let's explore the viability of adding Cozens to the lineup. Could it be done? Are there enough pieces to make the deal happen? He could be the piece needed to win another Stanley Cup in Las Vegas. Let's explore the possibility of reuniting Eichel with his one-time teammate.
What Dylan Cozens brings to the table
One surprising element Dylan Cozens brings to the Vegas Golden Knights lineup is a hard-hitting style. He has 60 hits and 21 blocked shots in 30 games. The center would be a solid fit on the lower lines, providing physicality alongside Keegan Kolesar.
That comes with having good size (6'3", 195 lbs.) and speed, a valuable trait for the Golden Knights. Fans have seen players like Brett Howden skate 200 feet of ice, which has produced excellent results. Scoring 11 goals in 30 games is enough to draw attention to the fanbase.
It's also enough to having fans imagine Howden and Cozens skate on odd-man rushes, generating juicy scoring opportunities. The duo would overwhelm opponents, leaving goaltenders gasping for air. It would also give them one of the best bottom-six forward groups in the NHL.
He might be a physical force given his size. However, his off-the-puck game must improve. That means staying out of the penalty box (25 PIM) and taking better care of the puck (30 giveaways). If that improves, he'll add more value to the Golden Knights team.
The problem with bringing Cozens on the Vegas Golden Knights
The main issue with getting Cozens on the Vegas Golden Knights is the center logjam. You already have Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, William Karlsson, and Nicolas Roy in front of you. There's no room for the 23-year-old to come on board unless one of those players is injured. Even with that circumstance, Bruce Cassidy can always shift someone like Mark Stone or Brett Howden to the center position.
There's also his salary that poses a problem. He's owed an annual salary of $7.1 million through 2030. Sure, the salary cap is expected to increase next season. However, Eichel is due for a big deal after 2026, which should be a priority for Kelly McCrimmon.
Besides, McCrimmon has focused his efforts on re-signing pending free agents. Names like Howden (five years, $2.5 million AAV), Kolesar (three years, $2.5 million AAV), and Shea Theodore (seven years, $7.425 million AAV) are a priority for the general manager. With players he can trust in tight situations, the Golden Knights can cash in on their Stanley Cup window.
While the Golden Knights can move pieces like Brendan Brisson with some draft picks, there's no reason to bring on Cozens. Sure, he's another young piece that McCrimmon could take on. The 23-year-old also adds a physical element to the Golden Knights, where he would pair well with Kolesar.
However, the Golden Knights are full of viable forwards that can score at will. Why trade for somebody at a position when names like Howden and Kolesar are doing well? Plus, there's a need for other positions, including a defensive-minded blue liner. As fun as speculating about certain players is, you're more likely to have a random plate of buffalo wings delivered to your door. But hey, that doesn't sound too bad in today's world. It's much better than there only being one beer left.