Player Discussion Dylan Cozens

[mjd1001]

Felt we lost an element of clutchiness when we traded Norris - only way for Cosens to claim that mantle is to come through tonight. Clutchiness the most respected quality of any athlete - keys see if Cosens has it

That is NOT what Cozens does:
-Stutzle, one game winning goal every 28 games
-Tkachuk, 1 every 20 games
-Batherson 1 every 17 games
-Norris 1 every 13 games.

Cozens? 1 GWG every 72 games

And its not just a function of being in Buffalo:
-Tage Thompson 1 gwg every 24 games
-Alex Tuch 1 every 15 games.

Cozens has to hit. He has to be a pest. Score occasionally. That is his game. He just is not the guy to take over close games offensively in the 3rd.

 

[Tuna99]

That is NOT what Cozens does:
-Stutzle, one game winning goal every 28 games
-Tkachuk, 1 every 20 games
-Batherson 1 every 17 games
-Norris 1 every 13 games.

Cozens? 1 GWG every 72 games

And its not just a function of being in Buffalo:
-Tage Thompson 1 gwg every 24 games
-Alex Tuch 1 every 15 games.

Cozens has to hit. He has to be a pest. Score occasionally. That is his game. He just is not the guy to take over close games offensively in the 3rd.

I don’t think any Ottawa shooter right now scares Toronto, we’ve scored on a couple of long screen shot and a long tip, I want to see Cozens, Pinto, Stutzle score from a rebound in the slot

 

[Burrowsaurus]

Cozens is a winger in the NHL and the first team to figure that out will have a successful player.

lol imagine him going fir a 50/50 puck along the boards every time in the d zone

He’s not a winger.

 

[Burrowsaurus]

That is NOT what Cozens does:
-Stutzle, one game winning goal every 28 games
-Tkachuk, 1 every 20 games
-Batherson 1 every 17 games
-Norris 1 every 13 games.

Cozens? 1 GWG every 72 games

And its not just a function of being in Buffalo:
-Tage Thompson 1 gwg every 24 games
-Alex Tuch 1 every 15 games.

Cozens has to hit. He has to be a pest. Score occasionally. That is his game. He just is not the guy to take over close games offensively in the 3rd.

Well it’s not his game tho?

Hes a legit nothing player who is where he is because of his size.
He does nothing at a high level. Nothing. His tools are his assets and what have gotten him far. Has a nice shot but not really smart enough or driven enough relative to his peers to find space

We need to get crookshanks brain and will into cozens body

He’s never been a pest. Ever ever eve e and he’s never been a big hitter. Go look at his hits lol especially when everyone was going crazy over his like 14 hits in his first 3 games.

It looks like he’s doing it to pad his stats lol it’s actually quite interesting to watch he looks fully aware that people like to see the stats

 

[PlayOn]

Brady makes everyone better so not surprising but I liked Cozens with him. He just kinda botches a lot of chances to finish but his transition game is solid and he’s good at finding his teammates so it was a good fit.

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

Give Cozens a year with this group and coaching staff before judging what he really is. That said, if we didn't make this trade we would likely be down two regular at FWD and be running three of Gaudette/Gregor/Ostapchuk/Highmore every night. So even in the immediate, I think the impact has been very positive and significant.

 

[Ice-Tray]

I like him and what he brings, and I’m good with the trade now. I like Norris, but there is no looking back as far as I’m concerned.

Norris is a better shooter and learned to play solid defence under Jacques and Green. Couzins is a better centre, better play maker, better transition player, and is bigger and more physical.

The biggest deal to me will be how he settles into the team game over the off season and training camp. He needs to have at least one regular linemate, and he needs to absorb our defensive play under Green.

He does those things and I think he’ll be a really important player for us.

Same goes for Zetterlund, we’ll have a better idea of what these guys are for us next season.

 

[Micklebot]

Give Cozens a year with this group and coaching staff before judging what he really is. That said, if we didn't make this trade we would likely be down two regular at FWD and be running Highmore + Crookshank/Jenik every night. So even in the immediate, I think the impact has been very positive and significant.

Norris said he'd be ready if they were in the playoff picture, and and assuming the other fwd reg you are referring to is Zetterlund, we'd also have Ostapchuk and Gregor still so not much of a chance Jenik or Crookshank would be in the lineup.

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

Norris said he'd be ready if they were in the playoff picture, and and assuming the other fwd reg you are referring to is Zetterlund, we'd also have Ostapchuk and Gregor still so not much of a chance Jenik or Crookshank would be in the lineup.

I saw Norris say he would probably be ready to go, and that was after, what... a month and a half without contact?

You're right re: Ostapchuk/Gregor, though.

 

[Micklebot]

I saw Norris say he would probably be ready to go, and that was after, what... a month and a half without contact?

You're right re: Ostapchuk/Gregor, though.

Given they revealed it was due to a torn oblique 1 month to a month and a half aligns with expected recovery timelines for an issue not requiring surgery. But, yes, there was still a chance he would not be available.

I agree that overall the trade(s) are a positive this season, I think without Cozens it's possible we miss the playoffs altogether, and I also like Cozens as a fit going forward, but losing Norris opened up a hole on the PK that we now need to fill.

 

[aragorn]

Given they revealed it was due to a torn oblique 1 month to a month and a half aligns with expected recovery timelines for an issue not requiring surgery. But, yes, there was still a chance he would not be available.

I agree that overall the trade(s) are a positive this season, I think without Cozens it's possible we miss the playoffs altogether, and I also like Cozens as a fit going forward, but losing Norris opened up a hole on the PK that we now need to fill.

We especially miss Norris on faceoffs & specifically on special teams. I like Cozens too & wish there was another way to have gotten him without losing Norris. I would have traded Chabot, he just makes way too many infuriating mistakes.

 

[BankStreetParade]

I've been on the fence about this guy but I just don't see how he's better for this team than Norris. We gave up a guy from our top PK and top PP units, an elite defensive zone faceoff man, well above average defensively with tremendous goal-scoring upside. How many goals have we given up this series on the PK or losing important faceoffs in the defensive zone? Two key areas where Norris excelled and was often the most relied on player for those moments.

Anyway, the trade is done and settled. No turning back now. I just don't really see the upside with Cozens that makes me feel like we got the best of this trade.

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

Given they revealed it was due to a torn oblique 1 month to a month and a half aligns with expected recovery timelines for an issue not requiring surgery. But, yes, there was still a chance he would not be available.

I agree that overall the trade(s) are a positive this season, I think without Cozens it's possible we miss the playoffs altogether, and I also like Cozens as a fit going forward, but losing Norris opened up a hole on the PK that we now need to fill.

This is kinda my point. Either Norris plays down the stretch and possibly gets hurt, probably struggles, or he sits out and we possibly miss the playoffs.

Losing Norris carries some risk but the 2nd is really quite valuable and I'm a lot more confident in Cozens not turning into an unmovable anchor. I have some doubts about him as a longterm solution & could see him being moved in the next two years, but I think the risk with him is being "underwhelming" whereas with Norris it's "underwhelming and unavailable".

We need to replace Norris' 2-way game and consistency somehow, but that goes back to my original comment - Cozens needs some time. In Buffalo he was part of the group, in Ottawa he is arguably going to be the coaching staffs pet project. Some guys will never really 'get it' and Cozens may be one, but he could also run with the opportunity to learn in a more structured, less chaotic environment.

 

[mjd1001]

Well it’s not his game tho?

Hes a legit nothing player who is where he is because of his size.
He does nothing at a high level. Nothing. His tools are his assets and what have gotten him far. Has a nice shot but not really smart enough or driven enough relative to his peers to find space

He LOOKS like he has a nice shot. It looks good, its kinda hard, he has that nice 'classic' release, but he's not accurate and never really has been.

His 'shot' is like the guys in the Moneyball movie that the scouts like....classic baseball swing, the shoulders are square, it looks so good and natural...but a lot of them end up being .220 hitters. But they look good doing it.

After seeing Cozens play for 1/4 the season, does anyone else think what a lot of the Buffalo fans said....he is a bad center but can be a very good winger? His weaknesses are exposed as a center but they can be a strength at wing?

 

[mjd1001]

I agree that overall the trade(s) are a positive this season, I think without Cozens it's possible we miss the playoffs altogether, and I also like Cozens as a fit going forward, but losing Norris opened up a hole on the PK that we now need to fill.

The thing is, Cozen is SO CLOSE to being good on the PK. He's gotten better at faceoffs over his career. He is a good/fast skater that can be a threat to breakout shorthanded. He has the height and reach to take up a lot of space/passing lanes without leaving his position.

All he needs to do is LEARN to keep his position and not chase the puck. In Buffalo for years it is what got him in trouble and the Sabres in trouble. But everything about him, his 'tools' say he can be great on the PK.

In practice/Camp they need to paint a circle with a 6 foot radius and tell him to play the PK without ever, EVER leaving it. Get in his head not to go out of position to chase a puck he won't get to, and he SHOULD be a very good PKer

 

[Burrowsaurus]

He LOOKS like he has a nice shot. It looks good, its kinda hard, he has that nice 'classic' release, but he's not accurate and never really has been.

His 'shot' is like the guys in the Moneyball movie that the scouts like....classic baseball swing, the shoulders are square, it looks so good and natural...but a lot of them end up being .220 hitters. But they look good doing it.

After seeing Cozens play for 1/4 the season, does anyone else think what a lot of the Buffalo fans said....he is a bad center but can be a very good winger? His weaknesses are exposed as a center but they can be a strength at wing?

I don’t see him at wing. You can afford to be more cerebral and slow at center. And at least his range is effective at center.

On the wing what’s he gonna do? He doesn’t really enjoy battling along the boards. Can’t imagine him being first on the forecheck it will be the easy forecheck to escape and every d man will outfight him for every 50/50 puck along the boards

 

[Stutzlaaaa]

The thing is, Cozen is SO CLOSE to being good on the PK. He's gotten better at faceoffs over his career. He is a good/fast skater that can be a threat to breakout shorthanded. He has the height and reach to take up a lot of space/passing lanes without leaving his position.

All he needs to do is LEARN to keep his position and not chase the puck. In Buffalo for years it is what got him in trouble and the Sabres in trouble. But everything about him, his 'tools' say he can be great on the PK.

In practice/Camp they need to paint a circle with a 6 foot radius and tell him to play the PK without ever, EVER leaving it. Get in his head not to go out of position to chase a puck he won't get to, and he SHOULD be a very good PKer

Yeah but you can't really learn hockey IQ and you need big time when you play PK.They can teach him somethings that will take him time to learn but you need the brain to process everything at high speed and not just puck watching. Really good pkers are good because they read well play and know what to expect where the play/puck is going ect. Having good offensive IQ and instinct helps a lot in the PK which is something lacking from Cozens game overall.

 

[mjd1001]

I don’t see him at wing. You can afford to be more cerebral and slow at center. And at least his range is effective at center.

On the wing what’s he gonna do? He doesn’t really enjoy battling along the boards. Can’t imagine him being first on the forecheck it will be the easy forecheck to escape and every d man will outfight him for every 50/50 puck along the boards

I'm basing my thoughts of him on wing from the few years and dozens of games I have watched him Play in Buffalo. He always went to the boards, even when he should have stayed and covered the slot. In fact it may have been his eagerness to battle along the boards that hurt him at center. I remember time after time where he would go really deep in on the forcheck.

I guess we'll have to see how much his games changes vs stays the same from his first 4-5 years. But I always saw him as wanting to play along the boards as both a strength and a weakness, because he simply wanted to do that TOO much and often left the slot wide open.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

He LOOKS like he has a nice shot. It looks good, its kinda hard, he has that nice 'classic' release, but he's not accurate and never really has been.

His 'shot' is like the guys in the Moneyball movie that the scouts like....classic baseball swing, the shoulders are square, it looks so good and natural...but a lot of them end up being .220 hitters. But they look good doing it.

After seeing Cozens play for 1/4 the season, does anyone else think what a lot of the Buffalo fans said....he is a bad center but can be a very good winger? His weaknesses are exposed as a center but they can be a strength at wing?

I'd like to see him coached up by Green to start the year before making that conclusion.
If he is another Sen that is not a natural scorer he'll have lots of company. There are parts of his game I like quite a bit at C . I find his consistency off and his details off .. so still a wait and see for me... I am willing to give him the time here ... being coached to pick up those 2 aspects... As far as his accuracy .. I think that is what it is.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Jokliharju could be a good partner for Kleven as a Right shot puck mover , Maybe even with Chabot. He's coming off a 1 year 3.1 AAV now

 

[Sensinitis]

I hope he pots one next game. He's had a lot of chances and flashes. Sometimes he scares me defensively with his decision making, but one nice snipe and he can really make up for it..

 

[Bjornar Moxnes]

Jokliharju could be a good partner for Kleven as a Right shot puck mover , Maybe even with Chabot. He's coming off a 1 year 3.1 AAV now

Sabres fans are saying JBD is better than Jokiharju, so... Let's try to get Perbix.

 

[Tuna99]

I hope he pots one next game. He's had a lot of chances and flashes. Sometimes he scares me defensively with his decision making, but one nice snipe and he can really make up for it..

With Cozens, lot's of waiting around for him to make an impact. He's trying hard, love the heart, but we might be waiting forever on this guy.can't wait any longer. He has to show up in Toronto.

He needs to make an impact for games 5, 6, 7. Cozens needs goals, PP goals, points, empty netters. We got him to handle the playoffs, he's willing, it's just a question of can he be impact, and so far, the answer is...he still has a chance to prove himself.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Sabres fans are saying JBD is better than Jokiharju, so... Let's try to get Perbix.

Sabres fans huh?

 

[Hale The Villain]

I've been on the fence about this guy but I just don't see how he's better for this team than Norris. We gave up a guy from our top PK and top PP units, an elite defensive zone faceoff man, well above average defensively with tremendous goal-scoring upside. How many goals have we given up this series on the PK or losing important faceoffs in the defensive zone? Two key areas where Norris excelled and was often the most relied on player for those moments.

Anyway, the trade is done and settled. No turning back now. I just don't really see the upside with Cozens that makes me feel like we got the best of this trade.

The upside is that Cozens is playing for this team right now, while Norris is nursing yet another injury.

I'm not a big fan of Cozens. He's not a play-driver, his effort level is consistently inconsistent, and he's not a smart hockey player that makes players around him better. But unlike Norris he's playing and that allows Pinto to play the 3C role where he can succeed instead of being forced to play 2C.

I want Cozens tried on the wing next season. Sabres fans were begging the team to try him there for years. Could succeed playing at RW using his size, speed and shot combo.