Confirmed with Link: [OTT/BUT] Josh Norris & JBD traded for Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert & 2026 2nd

[Burrowsaurus]

I wonder how much of it is their systems and coaching? Buffalo has some good players, but they never seem to put it all together.

I mean do they? Why do they have good players ? Seems like they have some overrated players.

 

[Cosmix]

Prob man and mirtoe. Watch so much hockey, horrifically wrong almost every time

I checked their grades:

Pronman:
Senators grade: A-
Sabres grade: C+

Mirtle:
Senators grade: A
Sabres grade: C-

I like the fact that Cozens is 2 years younger, not been injured like Norris, and seems to have higher offensive skills. Getting the 2nd round pick is gravy!

JBD for Gilbert is a "nothing burger" but I like the increased toughness of Gilbert but I suspect he will not be on the Senators for long.

 

[swiftwin]

I'm getting the impression that Staios is trading for fit here, similar to when he traded for Jensen. He probably identified Cozens as a player who is not being used to his full potential in Buffalo, and would benefit from a change of scenery.

Outside of Brady, we're a bit soft up front, so trading our softest top 6 forward for one with alot more grit is a step in the right direction. Based on what I'm reading from Sabres fans, I'm also getting the impression he will fit in very well with Green's system. The system is good at masking players' defensive deficiencies, which Cozens clearly has. It's also demanding of good boardplay, which Norris doesn't have. It's clear the team is trying to build around Brady's strengths.

 

[Loach]

Why is HFBoards asking me if I want to see posts from people I put on Adrianopolous Island? No. No I don't. They are on The Island of the Damned and Insane for a reason.

 

[Big Muddy]

So...how good is Gilbert?

And does this freaking site run on a potato or something?

He’s a decent pugilist. That’s about all I know. He’s only played 25 games this year, so he’s not always a starting lineup player.

 

[Rodzilla]

Risky move by Staios

Personally it kinda reminds me of the Turris deal back then

Personally wasnt the biggest fan of Norris as he isnt reliable health wise, and I am not the biggest fan of shooting centers, he doesnt create much plays or feed his wings much IMO. That being said he looked like a real good guy and well liked in the room, so thats very risky

 

[Masked]

we gave them the better player

Okay, Pierre. Does Gabriel's still send you free pizza on trade deadline day?

 

[Burrowsaurus]

I'm getting the impression that Staios is trading for fit here, similar to when he traded for Jensen. He probably identified Cozens as a player who is not being used to his full potential in Buffalo, and would benefit from a change of scenery.

Outside of Brady, we're a bit soft up front, so trading our softest top 6 forward for one with alot more grit is a step in the right direction. Based on what I'm reading from Sabres fans, I'm also getting the impression he will fit in very well with Green's system. The system is good at masking players' defensive deficiencies, which Cozens clearly has. It's also demanding of good boardplay, which Norris doesn't have. It's clear the team is trying to build around Brady's strengths.

Cozens just does not have that grit that you speak of. It’s not his game. It’s never been his game.

 

[Burrowsaurus]

Okay I like zetterlund

 

[sena]

Okay, Pierre. Does Gabriel's still send you free pizza on trade deadline day?

Brady is choked, even the coach looks upset about it. It is a stupid trade

 

[DylanSensFan]

I’m done now. The trade is done. Either I will be right. Or I won’t.

Right about what?

 

[Burrowsaurus]

Right about what?

About cozens being bad

 

[WORLDSTARHIPHOP]

 

[Gil Gunderson]

It hurts looking back on the late goal against Detroit and the tying one against Boston. Those may have been season savers.

 

[Pierre from Orleans]

It hurts looking back on the late goal against Detroit and the tying one against Boston. Those may have been season savers.

We would never have been in those spots if it wasn't for Leevi coming in playing the way he did.

 

[armani]

I love Norris and will miss him, but he was always an injury away from being in LTIR (which creates cap space but you still need resources/picks/prospects to acquire a player to fill that gap).

Cozens doesn't have those concerns and plays a more physical game. Bigger guy who can carry the puck and is versatile as a centre or a winger. The move also addressed defensive depth issues by getting a rugged d-man in Gilbert.

The biggest understated part of this move is how it created the cap space to also get Zetterlund who is a high-end 3rd/lower-end-to-promising top-6 forward who can score, pass, skate, hit, block shots...pretty well endowed (Nick Paul pun not included).

So Ottawa got Cozens, Zetterlund, Gilbert, Robins, 2nd (2026), and 4th (2025) for Norris, Ostapchuk, Gregor, JBD, 2nd (2025). Once again, a slam dunk draft deadline day for Staios and company. Bravo. Go SENS GO!!

 

[Cosmix]

I love Norris and will miss him, but he was always an injury away from being in LTIR (which creates cap space but you still need resources/picks/prospects to acquire a player to fill that gap).

Cozens doesn't have those concerns and plays a more physical game. Bigger guy who can carry the puck and is versatile as a centre or a winger. The move also addressed defensive depth issues by getting a rugged d-man in Gilbert.

The biggest understated part of this move is how it created the cap space to also get Zetterlund who is a high-end 3rd/lower-end-to-promising forward who can score, pass, skate, hit, block shots...pretty well endowed (Nick Paul pun not included).

So Ottawa got Cozens, Zetterlund, Gilbert, Robins, 2nd (2026), and 4th (2025) for Norris, Ostapchuk, Gregor, 2nd (2025). Once again, a slam dunk draft deadline day for Staios and company. Bravo. Go SENS GO!!

I think we got the better top 2 players in this trade and potentially the best player, but that assessment will have to wait for time to unfold.

 

[Senovision]

Cozen's nickname is the Workhorse from Whitehorse!

 

[Deerpark27]

Tkachuk's public lamenting of his loss of Norris would give the outside observer the impression Norris had been killed in battle (like Achilles lamenting Patroclus).

Objectively viewed, one young multi-millionaire hockey player working out of Ottawa learns his best-friend and multimillion dollar teammate has now been transferred to play hockey in Buffalo. I get it, things change as our careers evolve, there are surprises - but the tears? Is there some reason to believe they won't continue to communicate and, if they want, spend their summers together?

I think our Brady has been under (and put himself uner) a lot of pressure for a very long time now - I hope he and the team are going to be ok.

 

[RAFI BOMB]

Good deal

 

[TnaBuffalo]

Cozens just does not have that grit that you speak of. It’s not his game. It’s never been his game.

Sabres fan here, this is the truth

 

[PlayOn]

Tkachuk's public lamenting of his loss of Norris would give the outside observer the impression Norris had been killed in battle (like Achilles lamenting Patroclus).

Objectively viewed, one young multi-millionaire hockey player working out of Ottawa learns his best-friend and multimillion dollar teammate has now been transferred to play hockey in Buffalo. I get it, things change as our careers evolve, there are surprises - but the tears? Is there some reason to believe they won't continue to communicate and, if they want, spend their summers together?

I think our Brady has been under (and put himself uner) a lot of pressure for a very long time now - I hope he and the team are going to be ok.

I don’t get this. Does someone have to die for you to be emotional?

They’ve known each other since they were teenagers and see each other every day. Guy had like two seconds to process it. Brady will be fine, he’s sad his friend is gone. No one needs to psychoanalyze it.

 

[Micklebot]

Not the trade I'd have made but I'm warming up to it when you take it in with the other trade aswell.

I still think it's risky shaking up a tight roster, but we are a better team today with Zetterlund and Cozens than with Norris and Gregor/Ostapchuk.

If Cozens can find his game, we could have a gem, especially if Green can instill a defensive game into him.

 

[CorrectOpinion]

The paranoia about Brady being upset is embarrassing. Considering how scared you guys all seem to be he must be a total diva.

Brady and Norris were tight. These days Norris is a playboy and Brady is a dad. They aren't running in the same circles at this point. Relax.

 

[CorrectOpinion]

Hey Sens fans. I am sort of a sabres fan still (who can really root for that franchise anymore?) coming in peace. Good luck with Cozens. I really liked him in his rookie and sophomore years, but he lost something in recent years. I hope a change of scenery is all he needs to reach his potential. I hope he gives you something to enjoy!

Godspeed