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

[SlapJack]

My biggest worry about the trade was whether it would disrupt the room. Cozens really seems to be fitting in well, the team still seems to be tight. I think we've averted the worst case scenario, and at this point, it's looking like how much of the upside will we get.

Cozens had a lot of potential coming into the league, if this is how he plays when he's motivated, that bodes extremely well. If Green can clean up his defensive game, even better.

So far so good. I was initially skeptical, but he looks like a good fit for the room, and on the ice. Still going to miss Norris, but that's part of the game.

My initial reaction was that they were creating a wedge between Tkachuk and management and then I see Brady holding back the tears in a press swarming. I really felt that it was going to be a problem for the room.

But later on I was just thinking about how in our basic normal lives, we go through the same stuff. I've had coworkers that became great friends leave for greener pastures, or others that really weren't great at their jobs and got canned - it's not much different. It's a business and they're not dead or anything. You stay friends after and keep on doing what you do after the shock wears off, and look at it practically knowing it's the best thing for everybody in that situation.

3-0 since the trade, Cozens being one of the 3 stars in every game (although I don't think he deserved 2 of them), Tkachuk scoring goals, Norris fitting in with Buffalo. All is well

 

[HSF]

My biggest worry about the trade was whether it would disrupt the room. Cozens really seems to be fitting in well, the team still seems to be tight. I think we've averted the worst case scenario, and at this point, it's looking like how much of the upside will we get.

Cozens had a lot of potential coming into the league, if this is how he plays when he's motivated, that bodes extremely well. If Green can clean up his defensive game, even better.

So far so good. I was initially skeptical, but he looks like a good fit for the room, and on the ice. Still going to miss Norris, but that's part of the game.

If the room fractures from the GM making the team better than I would be worried about the leadership group

these guys are pros. its a business. The goal is to win a cup

He has not just done a 180 but a 720 so far

Completely different looking player than I’ve seen in Buffalo the past 2 years

I’m glad he’s making me eat my words right now

not surprising when its....buffalo

 

[frightenedinmatenum2]

My initial reaction was that they were creating a wedge between Tkachuk and management and then I see Brady holding back the tears in a press swarming. I really felt that it was going to be a problem for the room.

But later on I was just thinking about how in our basic normal lives, we go through the same stuff. I've had coworkers that became great friends leave for greener pastures, or others that really weren't great at their jobs and got canned - it's not much different. It's a business and they're not dead or anything. You stay friends after and keep on doing what you do after the shock wears off, and look at it practically knowing it's the best thing for everybody in that situation.

3-0 since the trade, Cozens being one of the 3 stars in every game (although I don't think he deserved 2 of them), Tkachuk scoring goals, Norris fitting in with Buffalo. All is well

I would be shocked if Brady wasn't made aware of the possible moves and the reasons for the moves. He was attached to DJ as well. Even if you're prepared for something emotional, it doesn't stop it from hitting hard when it happens. It could be a death of a pet, or your best friend being traded because his 9.5 million dollar salary presents a liability for the small market team that drafted you. We've all been there.

While I do think they made the trade partly for on ice fit, I don't think they had a choice. They couldn't keep the liability of the Norris contract. As for why they did it now instead of in the offseason, that is the on ice fit part, we saw that with the Zetterlund move. It opened cap and returned assets that allowed them to add another top 6 (I mean 4th line) forward who is still under team control after this season.

They basically moved out one forward and got two back for down the stretch.

 

[BonHoonLayneCornell]

I think the timing for the room disruption was great. A good reminder it's all business and switching up the mix as they go in to this last stretch. A core trade for a different long contracted player combined with another forward upgrade and dman swap is what a lot have been calling for. A good play by Staios no matter how this ends up.

 

[Sens With Benefits]

lol the takes on Cozens by Sabres fans are laughable. He’s literally been the opposite of everything negative they are saying. It’s very very very clear Buffalo was the problem and not Cozens.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Cozens has 2 goals in his first 3 games and over those 3 games he has had
5 high danger chances tied with his line mate Batherson for the team lead
18 Hits , T7 is next with 11
60.6% on faceoffs 20/33 ; 2nd behind Greig 74% 20/27
2 Penalties draw; Stutzle 4
7th in TOI forwards only

 

[ColinM]

My initial reaction was that they were creating a wedge between Tkachuk and management and then I see Brady holding back the tears in a press swarming. I really felt that it was going to be a problem for the room.

But later on I was just thinking about how in our basic normal lives, we go through the same stuff. I've had coworkers that became great friends leave for greener pastures, or others that really weren't great at their jobs and got canned - it's not much different. It's a business and they're not dead or anything. You stay friends after and keep on doing what you do after the shock wears off, and look at it practically knowing it's the best thing for everybody in that situation.

3-0 since the trade, Cozens being one of the 3 stars in every game (although I don't think he deserved 2 of them), Tkachuk scoring goals, Norris fitting in with Buffalo. All is well

So true. Plus in a world of social media keeping in touch has never been easier. If Cozens continues to play well I'm sure Brady will be fine.

 

[frightenedinmatenum2]

Cozens is not being leaned on as heavily as Norris was. He is playing a very sheltered offensive role. Although, it has only been 3 games.

With that said, he is a better fit for the system offensively.

It wouldn't be crazy if Norris ends up the more valuable player for the duration of their contracts, but the risk of an injury, the amount of real dollars owed to Norris, and fit in our system makes it a win.

This is a win-win trade for Adams. It might not be a win-win trade for the Sabres if Norris gets hurt again, but Adams is probably gone by the time that happens. It seems like we took advantage of a GM who needs to win now to save his job. I haven't read anything about his job being in jeopardy, but you look at how the Sabres have stalled since Adams signed his extension in 2022, and just in general terms a GM in his spot would usually be on the hot seat.

 

[ColinM]

This is a win-win trade for Adams. It might not be a win-win trade for the Sabres if Norris gets hurt again, but Adams is probably gone by the time that happens. It seems like we took advantage of a GM who needs to win now to save his job. I haven't read anything about his job being in jeopardy, but you look at how the Sabres have stalled since Adams signed his extension in 2022, and just in general terms a GM in his spot would usually be on the hot seat.

So nice to be on the other side of that.

 

[SensHulk]

So far so good! Loving the energy he’s bringing and scoring some clutch goals along the way