NHL Rumors: Flyers Linked To Sabres' Dylan Cozens

Tuesday, December 31, 2024 ,

Sam Carchidi of The Hockey News believes the Philadelphia Flyers should make an aggressive effort to acquire Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens, seeing him as a long-term solution to their need for a high-scoring center. 

The 23-year-old Cozens has struggled this season, managing just eight goals for a Sabres team recently stuck in a 13-game winless streak. 

However, his potential remains clear, as evidenced by his 31-goal season just two years ago. "Cozens would be a perfect fit for the Flyers—not because of his struggles, but because of his potential," Carchidi wrote, emphasizing how a return to his natural center position could unlock his talent.

Carchidi suggests the Flyers could entice the Sabres with a trade package including center Morgan Frost and versatile veteran Scott Laughton. 

Frost, a former first-round pick, has yet to find consistency, while Laughton would bring Buffalo leadership and penalty-killing ability. Another option could involve young defenseman Jamie Drysdale paired with Laughton, offering the Sabres a promising prospect while sweetening the deal. 

Cozens’ $7.1 million cap hit through 2029-30 would require careful cap management from Flyers GM Daniel Briere, possibly including salary retention by Buffalo or other creative solutions.

Adding Cozens would give the Flyers a much-needed cornerstone player as they aim to emerge from their rebuilding phase. 

At 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, Cozens combines size and skill, traits the Flyers currently lack at center, where Sean Couturier leads the group with just six goals this season. 

Carchidi believes Philadelphia should “try hard to make it work,” arguing that Cozens has the potential to be a transformative player who could thrive with a change of scenery and an expanded role.

Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images



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