Confirmed Trade: [OTT/BUF] Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert, and 2026 2nd round pick for Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker

[HogtownSabresfan]

I'm a lifelong Sabres fan but management is functionally illiterate when it comes to hockey knowledge and thinks like trade value, contracts and drafting. The Sabres knew Norris was nursing something, which is fine but that should have ramped up the pressure on Ottawa, NOT Buffalo, to make a deal since they are a playoff contender. They could ill afford to have 2nd line centre out and say whatever you will about who is better but not having either is a monster. It is insane the Sabres gave up even more with the pick.

 

[Satanphonehome]

So Dylan Cozens stat line - 3/7/10/-2 in 17 games - looks remarkably similar to the disappointment it has been for he past 2 seasons with Buffalo.

But I’m guessing he’s hustled, Norris is hurt and the team is 11/5/1 since, so the fans are happy with the trade?

And the Sabres are 11/5/0 since the trade even without Norris, and Cozens hasn’t exactly lit it up, so their fans are pretty happy too?

A rare thumbs up from both sides so far?

 

[Ace]

So Dylan Cozens stat line - 3/7/10/-2 in 17 games - looks remarkably similar to the disappointment it has been for he past 2 seasons with Buffalo.

But I’m guessing he’s hustled, Norris is hurt and the team is 11/5/1 since, so the fans are happy with the trade?

And the Sabres are 11/5/0 since the trade even without Norris, and Cozens hasn’t exactly lit it up, so their fans are pretty happy too?

A rare thumbs up from both sides so far?

I said we could trade Cozens for nothing and still come out ahead.

And that’s what’s happened.

 

[ottawagm]

So Dylan Cozens stat line - 3/7/10/-2 in 17 games - looks remarkably similar to the disappointment it has been for he past 2 seasons with Buffalo.

But I’m guessing he’s hustled, Norris is hurt and the team is 11/5/1 since, so the fans are happy with the trade?

And the Sabres are 11/5/0 since the trade even without Norris, and Cozens hasn’t exactly lit it up, so their fans are pretty happy too?

A rare thumbs up from both sides so far?

We wouldn't be in the playoffs without him, so the trade definitely paid off for us. Norris doesn't play the style his line needs to be successful and he would have been injured since the trade deadline.

 

[HogtownSabresfan]

I said we could trade Cozens for nothing and still come out ahead.

And that’s what’s happened.

We overpaid slightly with the second.

 

[Do Make Say Think]

So Dylan Cozens stat line - 3/7/10/-2 in 17 games - looks remarkably similar to the disappointment it has been for he past 2 seasons with Buffalo.

But I’m guessing he’s hustled, Norris is hurt and the team is 11/5/1 since, so the fans are happy with the trade?

And the Sabres are 11/5/0 since the trade even without Norris, and Cozens hasn’t exactly lit it up, so their fans are pretty happy too?

A rare thumbs up from both sides so far?

He started very hot and the whole team is playing like shit right now so he's fallen back down to Earth.

He's a 60 point guy, has solid chemistry with Batherson, and isn't always injured. No reason for Sens fans to not be happy, although we all feel really bad for Norris who goes from a playoff team to... Buffalo.

He'll still be rich and hot, no one is crying for him; but he put in the work while he was here, he went through all the stupid Melnyk nonsense and he gets traded to the worst run organization in the NHL. Sucks for him on that front!

You guys better turn it around, Norris is good people.

 

[TheNewEra]

So Dylan Cozens stat line - 3/7/10/-2 in 17 games - looks remarkably similar to the disappointment it has been for he past 2 seasons with Buffalo.

But I’m guessing he’s hustled, Norris is hurt and the team is 11/5/1 since, so the fans are happy with the trade?

And the Sabres are 11/5/0 since the trade even without Norris, and Cozens hasn’t exactly lit it up, so their fans are pretty happy too?

A rare thumbs up from both sides so far?

i still miss norris in ottawa so im not going to hate on him

cozens is producing at a similar rate in ottawa as norris while being about a million dollars cheaper. Sens needed 5 on 5 production and could afford to remove some off the powerplay. From an ottawa side its a win.

From buffalos standpoint i do hope you guys turn it around. The jokes are funny but ottawa isnt that far removed from having a horrific owner and a bad gm so i do feel bad for you guys

 

[Zman5778]

From a Sabres POV.......while Norris has been shelved with his rib injury........Bernard-Docker has been a VERY pleasant surprise for us. He's been steady eddie on the right side and mostly forming a solid pair with Power 5v5.

I think most Sabres fans are quite pleased with JBD.

 

[Washed Up 29YearOld]

He started very hot and the whole team is playing like shit right now so he's fallen back down to Earth.

He's a 60 point guy, has solid chemistry with Batherson, and isn't always injured. No reason for Sens fans to not be happy, although we all feel really bad for Norris who goes from a playoff team to... Buffalo.

He'll still be rich and hot, no one is crying for him; but he put in the work while he was here, he went through all the stupid Melnyk nonsense and he gets traded to the worst run organization in the NHL. Sucks for him on that front!

You guys better turn it around, Norris is good people.

I'm sure he's just glad he's on an American team.

 

[Satanphonehome]

He's a 60 point guy,

cozens is producing at a similar rate in ottawa as norris

I wonder how long these opinions hold.

Cozens has produced at a 14-goal, 48-point pace so far as a Senator

He produced at 15-goal 41-point pace this year as a Sabre

He was roughly 18/30/48 as a Sabre last year.

And 13/27/40 3 years ago.

Really curious to see if that 31-goal, 68-point year continues to be an outlier.

Of course you can say the same things about Norris' 35-goal year, albeit for different reasons.

 

[TheNewEra]

I wonder how long these opinions hold.

Cozens has produced at a 14-goal, 48-point pace so far as a Senator

He produced at 15-goal 41-point pace this year as a Sabre

He was roughly 18/30/48 as a Sabre last year.

And 13/27/40 3 years ago.

Really curious to see if that 31-goal, 68-point year continues to be an outlier.

Of course you can say the same things about Norris' 35-goal year, albeit for different reasons.

for sure, im sure eventually i would expect cozens to produce more

my point was for this season its cozens with a 48 point pace as a senator vs norris at a 51 point pace as a senator. Factor in cap hit and the sens needing 5 on 5 production boost im fine with it.

Ideally cozens gets in that 55-60 point production range for next season. The cap going up allows a little more buffer for ottawa especially since ottawa is tighter on cap.

 

[bert]

I'm sure he's just glad he's on an American team.

He is from Newfoundland. Just chose the USA for international hockey.

Cozens started out like a man on fire, he has definitely slowed down. The adrenaline has worn off but I like his tools alot. I would have traded Norris for a bag of pucks personally, you cant have 10% of your cap always injured. He was a great player before he lost both his shoulders, I still cant believe anyone took him let alone gave a decent player back.

 

[Agent Zub]

Cozens has been good, but I still miss Norris lol.

Thank god Greig seems like he is taking the next step.

Might be the best of all three, and four, if you add Pinto.

 

[Washed Up 29YearOld]

He is from Newfoundland.

na jus jokin cos you hear about American players wanting to play for American teams and Buffalo is in USA but still.... Buffalo

 

[Sting]

I wonder how long these opinions hold.

Cozens has produced at a 14-goal, 48-point pace so far as a Senator

He produced at 15-goal 41-point pace this year as a Sabre

He was roughly 18/30/48 as a Sabre last year.

And 13/27/40 3 years ago.

Really curious to see if that 31-goal, 68-point year continues to be an outlier.

Of course you can say the same things about Norris' 35-goal year, albeit for different reasons.

I know you have a hate-on for Cozens and I generally say fair enough to fans who feel that way about a player. I know I did with Norris throughout his career and was happy to see him go. I don't think it was entirely his fault because after all, you're born with the body you're born with. I think his shoulder was destined to fail him eventually.

As for Cozens, I see a lot of the things Sabres fans have talked about. He does give the puck away a lot but he is also very talented at the same time because he can make plays a lot of guys can't.

I don't see 70+ pt upside for him. I think 50-60 is where he tops out as a 2nd line player.

I think he'll benefit from being on the team from the start next year and getting more accustomed to the system the Sens play.

Biggest thing is that he wasn't brought in to be a top of the lineup, impact player. He's there to be a big body, isn't made of glass, and has more playmaking abilities than Norris does. Biggest thing is he actually plays hockey and isn't the NHL's version of "street clothes" Anthony Davis.

 

[Chainshot]

At least in terms of team-based results, both rosters have been winning a lot more since the deal went down.

 

[SpezDispenser]

At least in terms of team-based results, both rosters have been winning a lot more since the deal went down.

Shakes fist. Ottawa certainly knows of Buffalo's recent success.

 

[Djp]

We overpaid slightly with the second.

Not worried about that. Someone might OS Quinn or we trade a pksyers sbd get a 2nd back. If they trade down they may ask for a 26 2nd

From a Sabres POV.......while Norris has been shelved with his rib injury........Bernard-Docker has been a VERY pleasant surprise for us. He's been steady eddie on the right side and mostly forming a solid pair with Power 5v5.

I think most Sabres fans are quite pleased with JBD.

He seemed to have done well. Haven't looked at stats

 

[Satanphonehome]

I know you have a hate-on for Cozens and I generally say fair enough to fans who feel that way about a player. I know I did with Norris throughout his career and was happy to see him go. I don't think it was entirely his fault because after all, you're born with the body you're born with. I think his shoulder was destined to fail him eventually.

As for Cozens, I see a lot of the things Sabres fans have talked about. He does give the puck away a lot but he is also very talented at the same time because he can make plays a lot of guys can't.

I don't see 70+ pt upside for him. I think 50-60 is where he tops out as a 2nd line player.

I think he'll benefit from being on the team from the start next year and getting more accustomed to the system the Sens play.

Biggest thing is that he wasn't brought in to be a top of the lineup, impact player. He's there to be a big body, isn't made of glass, and has more playmaking abilities than Norris does. Biggest thing is he actually plays hockey and isn't the NHL's version of "street clothes" Anthony Davis.

I don't have a hate on for Cozens at all.

I think he struggled mightily this year as a Sabre but I quite like the kid and want to see him succeed on a personal level.

 

[zenator]

So Dylan Cozens stat line - 3/7/10/-2 in 17 games - looks remarkably similar to the disappointment it has been for he past 2 seasons with Buffalo.

But I’m guessing he’s hustled, Norris is hurt and the team is 11/5/1 since, so the fans are happy with the trade?

And the Sabres are 11/5/0 since the trade even without Norris, and Cozens hasn’t exactly lit it up, so their fans are pretty happy too?

A rare thumbs up from both sides so far?

Why would the Sabres fans be happy about winning meaningless games when out of the playoff race / the pressure was off and going from 3rd to 8th in the draft lottery? And having the prize acquisition injured like he always is?

 

[KeyserSoze81]

Why would the Sabres fans be happy about winning meaningless games when out of the playoff race / the pressure was off and going from 3rd to 8th in the draft lottery? And having the prize acquisition injured like he always is?

It's been 84 years since we made the playoffs, nothing matters any more. With that said, without this meaningless stretch of games, we probably have 2-3 players requesting trades or getting really close (Dahlin, Peterka, ___). We really need the good players to stay to be good.

 

[Nikolajs Sillers]

It's been 84 years since we made the playoffs, nothing matters any more. With that said, without this meaningless stretch of games, we probably have 2-3 players requesting trades or getting really close (Dahlin, Peterka, ___). We really need the good players to stay to be good.

...since Sabres made playoffs.

 

[Satanphonehome]

Why would the Sabres fans be happy about winning meaningless games when out of the playoff race / the pressure was off and going from 3rd to 8th in the draft lottery? And having the prize acquisition injured like he always is?

‘Happy’ is kind of a relative term. I don’t think anyone is happy and a Sabres fan.

But in terms of the trade? Wins are better than losses, the games were meaningless before the trade too, the team looks better since the trade - something some addition by subtraction fans predicted - which is kinda what you want from a trade, and they still have the unused bonus of Norris in their back pockets with the potential for additional improvement.

And when you’ve been picking at the top of the draft for 14 years, the difference between the 4th and the 9th pick has kinda lost much meaning.

I don’t think you were actually interested in an honest answer anyway, but there you go.

 

[zenator]

‘Happy’ is kind of a relevant term. I don’t think anyone is happy and a Sabres fan.

But in terms of the trade? Wins are better than losses, the games were meaningless before year's draft the trade too, the team looks better since the trade - something some addition by subtraction fans predicted - which is kinda what you want from a trade, and they still have the unused bonus of Norris in their back pockets with the potential for additional improvement.

And when you’ve been picking at the top of the draft for 14 years, the difference between the 4th and the 9th pick has kinda lost much meaning.

I don’t think you were actually interested in an honest answer anyway, but there you go.

This year's draft has a clear top 4, then a significant drop off.

It's ridiculous to say removing one player is why the Sabres started winning after being basically eliminated. They do this every 2nd year. Heck, the Sens did this several times too. Cozens is who he is, though still has upside. Good offensively, poor defensively. The Sens won at a higher clip with him than with Norris, but I'm not dumb enough to say it's because Norris is gone.

2 things Cozens does well were desperately needed by the Sens... 5 on 5 play driving / offense, and great chemistry with Batherson. Norris has strengths, but he is weak offensively 5 on 5 and never jelled with Batherson. Cozens just fits the team better as Pinto has become a better shutdown centre than Norris ever was, which made Norris redundant. Plus we have a better left-right mix with our centres now. Cozens just fits the team better. And if Green helps him improve defensively, like he did for Stutzle, Tkachuk, and Batherson, that'll be a bonus.

 

[Satanphonehome]

This year's draft has a clear top 4, then a significant drop off.

It's ridiculous to say removing one player is why the Sabres started winning after being basically eliminated. They do this every 2nd year. Heck, the Sens did this several times too. Cozens is who he is, though still has upside. Good offensively, poor defensively. The Sens won at a higher clip with him than with Norris, but I'm not dumb enough to say it's because Norris is gone.

2 things Cozens does well were desperately needed by the Sens... 5 on 5 play driving / offense, and great chemistry with Batherson. Norris has strengths, but he is weak offensively 5 on 5 and never jelled with Batherson. Cozens just fits the team better as Pinto has become a better shutdown centre than Norris ever was, which made Norris redundant. Plus we have a better left-right mix with our centres now. Cozens just fits the team better. And if Green helps him improve defensively, like he did for Stutzle, Tkachuk, and Batherson, that'll be a bonus.

Sorry, were we arguing about something?

I agree that’s kinda the perception of this year’s draft. I don’t think it will mean anything in 5 years. Most drafts don’t, but the hype is always fun.

The rest of it sounds about right to me.