Fans remember the infamous Jack Eichel trade that went down in November 2021. The Vegas Golden Knights got their superstar center, sending Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, and two draft picks to the Buffalo Sabres. It added another chapter in the "Tortured Buffalo Wing Connoisseur" section alongside Patrick Mahomes and "Wide Right".
It's tough watching your supposed franchise player become a leader for another team and win a Stanley Cup, after all. Combine that with a team that still hasn't sniffed the Stanley Cup playoffs since 2011 and it adds to the agony. It feels like your extremities are being pierced by a broken chicken wing. Sounds as bad as 13 seconds, eh?
But that's not stopping the Sabres from working another trade with that same team. All those buffalo wing consumers be damned. According to Jeff Marek of Daily Faceoff, the Golden Knights have scouts in Western New York for practices and games. But he isn't the only person noticing something brewing. Sabres insider Michael Augello also saw those same scouts appearing.
Deadline scout watch is on in Buffalo for #Sabres - NYR. Two scouts for both the #Lightning and #VGK here. This is the fifth straight game that Vegas has had multiple scouts watching Buffalo.
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) February 22, 2025
That's right. A potential trade could be happening between both franchises again. What can fans expect between both clubs as the trade deadline nears? Could fans see two names end up in the black and gold? Let's explore these two players and see if they fit. After all, Kelly McCrimmon isn't one to shy away from a trade like Phil Kessel near hot dogs.
Yes, Alex Tuch and Dylan Cozens come to mind. What else is new?
The first name has been linked to the Golden Knights for some time. In fact, it's been at least two whole month since the rumors started circulating. His name? Alex Tuch. He has 20 goals and 24 assists this season and is a big body (6'4", 215 lbs.). The winger is also signed through the 2025-26 season and has a $4.75 million cap hit. It's easy to see why some fans want a "Misfit" reunion.
The other name is Dylan Cozens, who's also a big body (6'3", 195 lbs.) that has a scoring touch (11 goals and 19 assists). But the native of Whitehorse, Yukon, also loves hitting people. He has 130 hits (a career-high). Sure, he might be a center. But you can't have enough forwards when you have Bruce Cassidy running a goaltender-friendly system.
There are other benefits to adding either player. That includes the fact that both players are younger than 30 years old (Cozens is 24 while Tuch is 28). Young, viable talent has always been on McCrimmon's radar, where these players will make his team tough to beat for years. Both Sabres players fit the bill and would instantly boost their Stanley Cup chances.
But will it happen?
Here's the thing, dear reader. You never know what you're going to get with McCrimmon and his dealings. Last season, nobody expected Vegas to pull off three trades and acquire Anthony Mantha, Noah Hanifin, and Tomas Hertl. Two of those players are on the roster now and for the long term.
The Golden Knights also have still competition from other teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings. Many of these suitors have something that Vegas doesn't: Viable prospects and draft capital. Therefore, it's likely that McCrimmon will have no choice but to go with a smaller move.
Still, you never know what will happen with the general manager. He might acquire Tuch or Cozens for a reasonable deal, going all in on their current Stanley Cup window. He might also quietly move and play the field in a small matter. Whatever the case, get ready for unpredictability. It's the Las Vegas specialty.