NHL Rumors: Could Flames Go After Dylan Cozens?

Saturday, January 04, 2025 ,

The Calgary Flames could be a team that could go after Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens, according to Kent Wilson of the Calgary Sun. 

At 6’3” and 210 pounds, the 23-year-old right-handed center fits the Flames’ need for a big, skilled pivot to anchor their rebuild. 

Two years removed from a 31-goal, 68-point season, Cozens has the potential to be a top-six contributor. Calgary’s lack of center depth and growing pool of prospects and draft picks make him an intriguing target, as the team looks to add a foundational piece to accelerate its rebuilding process.

Despite his size and pedigree, Cozens carries significant risk. 

His offensive production has declined over the past two seasons, and his defensive and play-driving metrics remain below average. 

“Cozens profiles as a third-line player right now and not much else,” Wilson wrote, pointing to his $7.1 million cap hit through 2029 as a gamble for a player who has yet to recapture his 2022-23 form. 

Acquiring him would likely require a package of valuable assets, raising questions about whether his performance justifies the cost and whether Calgary should bet its future on his upside.

Buffalo’s interest in trading Cozens is uncertain, as the Sabres appear more focused on adding to their roster than subtracting from it. 

If they did move him, the price would likely include NHL-ready talent, similar to the Bowen Byram deal for Casey Mittelstadt. 

For the Flames, this presents a dilemma: Cozens could either become the cornerstone center they’ve been searching for or a costly misstep that sets back their rebuild.

Of course, this is all purely speculation as of now.

Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images



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