Friedman: Red Wings interested in Dylan Cozens

[izlez]

I'm not sure I believe any of this, but if they were actually close before and are not close now, that leads me to believe that the trade was based around Red Wings roster players and now the Wings pulled back now that they are winning.

Can't come up with a trade for roster players that isn't insulting to Sabres' fans though, so I still don't believe it

 

[Dotter]

"The Red Wings were looking at Cozens" is Friedman's comment.

Pro scouting in Red Wings have been subpar. *if* Looking at Cozens (with that god awful contract) proves they aren't improving. In fact, it sounds like they are getting worse.

Buffalo needs to keep that contract and eat their own mistake. If Yzerman bails them out, then he should be fired.

 

[Habs Halifax]

You’ve replied a ton in here without any real substance. What exactly do you think the value of a ~40pt player being paid $7.1m long term is worth?

I see your point but Cozens is more than just a 40 pts player. His career pt/game numbers after 322 games is 0.58. That's 47 pts and most would believe he has 50+ in him for his prime.

There is some reaches on his value yes. At best, his trade value is a future 60 pts center. No way it's 60-80 range. That's how I comprehend it

 

[Djp]

I'm not sure I believe any of this, but if they were actually close before and are not close now, that leads me to believe that the trade was based around Red Wings roster players and now the Wings pulled back now that they are winning.

Can't come up with a trade for roster players that isn't insulting to Sabres' fans though, so I still don't believe it

Never close—I also think with buffalo in the skid they would do a panic move

Pro scouting in Red Wings have been subpar. *if* Looking at Cozens (with that god awful contract) proves they aren't improving. In fact, it sounds like they are getting worse.

Buffalo needs to keep that contract and eat their own mistake. If Yzerman bails them out, then he should be fired.

Fine by me .

I see your point but Cozens is more than just a 40 pts player. His career pt/game numbers after 322 games is 0.58. That's 47 pts and most would believe he has 50+ in him for his prime.

There is some reaches on his value yes. At best, his trade value is a future 60 pts center. No way it's 60-80 range. That's how I comprehend it

He was 23 yrs old at the start of this season. Last season he was out due to injury and played injured for most of the rest of the season. This year he had a goal slump.

What one of the Sabres best reporters said was he thought one of the issue was Cozens is in a funk and might not want to be the one trying to lift other players younger than him. He might do better playing with veterans and just focus in his game whatever that is vs what expectations are for him.

 

[Habs Halifax]

He was 23 yrs old at the start of this season. Last season he was out due to injury and played injured for most of the rest of the season. This year he had a goal slump.

What one of the Sabres best reporters said was he thought one of the issue was Cozens is in a funk and might not want to be the one trying to lift other players younger than him. He might do better playing with veterans and just focus in his game whatever that is vs what expectations are for him.

Cozens is definitely more than a 40 pts player. I agree there. I think his true trade value is something around 55-60 pts. Not saying it's impossible for him to get 60+ pts in some seasons but that's trying to project a player's growth which is very difficult.

Right now today, his pt/game averages out to 47 pts. Most would agree he puts up better numbers than that in his prime.

You might not like it and it creates a post war but I bet you Dach and Cozens have similar numbers in the next 5-8 years. Dach has been derailed with injury as well and he can't have anymore or my statement looks very bad lol. We will see how that ages.

 

[Dotter]

Cozens is definitely more than a 40 pts player.

Cozens is a $7.1million 40-to-50 point player. He has to be one of the worst contacts in the entire NHL.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Cozens is a $7.1million 40-to-50 point player. He has to be one of the worst contacts in the entire NHL.

I see where you are coming from but it's exaggeration to prove your point and I'm not a fan of that approach. It's not one of the worse contracts in the NHL.

He's soon to be 24 and has not reached his prime yet. When you factor in a growing cap, $7.1M is the old $5M. Right now, he is underperforming to that contract but he's not 30+ and over his prime years either.

Truth is in the middle. He's got value but most would give him 50-60 pts value during his prime and term left. I don't see many giving better value than that. And it's not as low as 40 pts either

 

[Jimmybarndoor2]

Cozens is a $7.1million 40-to-50 point player. He has to be one of the worst contacts in the entire NHL.

And yet the red wings are trying to convince the Sabres to trade him.

The Sabres don’t want to trade him unless it helps the Sabres. Not trying to unload him. Think hockey trade

If no hockey trade that helps both teams then fine. If not then it’s not gonna happen

 

[Winger98]

I'm not sure a hockey trade exists where the Sabres fans get what they feel is fair value back unless it's for a similar guy who people question will live up to his ceiling.

 

[Dotter]

And yet the red wings are trying to convince the Sabres to trade him.

The Sabres don’t want to trade him unless it helps the Sabres. Not trying to unload him. Think hockey trade

If no hockey trade that helps both teams then fine. If not then it’s not gonna happen

I already said Detroit Red Wings pro scouting is broken. This trade rumor proves that.

I see where you are coming from but it's exaggeration to prove your point and I'm not a fan of that approach. It's not one of the worse contracts in the NHL.

He's soon to be 24 and has not reached his prime yet. When you factor in a growing cap, $7.1M is the old $5M. Right now, he is underperforming to that contract but he's not 30+ and over his prime years either.

Truth is in the middle. He's got value but most would give him 50-60 pts value during his prime and term left. I don't see many giving better value than that. And it's not as low as 40 pts either

He is making $7.1m and he is a 40-50 point player until proven otherwise. I'm betting he is what he is. He's a nice NHLer for under $5 million. Not anything special or that can't be had on the open UFA market any given off season (except maybe age).

Clearly 2019 wasn't a very deep draft.

 

[Jimmybarndoor2]

I'm not sure a hockey trade exists where the Sabres fans get what they feel is fair value back unless it's for a similar guy who people question will live up to his ceiling.

Even if the Sabres would need to package something with Cozens. It has to help the Sabres. They are not ready to just get rid of him. Puts in good effort and having a slow start. Nice goal last night that started with back checking and a steal.

Think he and other Sabres are still adjusting to change in structure and playing style of new coach

 

[Winger98]

Even if the Sabres would need to package something with Cozens. It has to help the Sabres. They are not ready to just get rid of him. Puts in good effort and having a slow start. Nice goal last night that started with back checking and a steal.

Think he and other Sabres are still adjusting to change in structure and playing style of new coach

I'm not disagreeing, I'm just not sure it's there right now because of the question marks around him. If I was the Sabres, unless I was just done with him, I'd be looking to bring someone in to build with Cozens. I'm awful with values, but I'd wonder how much would need to be built around Byram to get into the Pettersson discussions.

 

[izlez]

Cozens is a $7.1million 40-to-50 point player. He has to be one of the worst contacts in the entire NHL.

I can't help but notice the name "Cozens" doesn't pop up a single time in this thread:

Thread 'Worst Contracts in the NHL currently?'

Jan 3, 2025

What would you rate as the 5 worst contracts in the NHL currently?

In no order its Huberdeau, Pettersson, Couturier, Jones, and Gallagher.

​

• 10YearsHaveGone
• Replies: 179
• Forum: National Hockey League Talk

 

[dire wolf]

Sabres should not be selling low on Cozens. I still believe his value will rebound. Also, until they have a replacement center ready to go, they can't really afford to get deal him.

 

[CowbellConray]

I already said Detroit Red Wings pro scouting is broken. This trade rumor proves that.



He is making $7.1m and he is a 40-50 point player until proven otherwise. I'm betting he is what he is. He's a nice NHLer for under $5 million. Not anything special or that can't be had on the open UFA market any given off season (except maybe age).

Clearly 2019 wasn't a very deep draft.

He was a 68 point player two seasons ago. In my opinion, he should be a winger. He has shown to be VERY good on the wing (WC's were great).

 

[Zetterberg4Captain]

He's owed still 35$million and he hasent been anywhere near worth that past 100 games...

Huge risk anyone acquiring him

Buffalo can't afford to dump him either for just futures..

The juice is not worth the squeeze whatsoever for Detroit with this "rumour"

 

[StrompTroller]

You’ve replied a ton in here without any real substance. What exactly do you think the value of a ~40pt player being paid $7.1m long term is worth?

I haven't replied with substance because I havent been met with it. From the Rasmussen nonsense (was that even this thread or the other one with Detroit fans wanting Cozens?), to the Compher comps....to the criminally underrating Cozen's age and past flashes....what is there to argue? Most Sabres fans have no interest in anything you could viably offer OFF YOUR ROSTER TO MAKE US BETTER TODAY (it's been said 549 times approximately we as fans anyways have no interest in your futures)...so your fans bitterly claim him overrated and overpaid and yet keep the thread going based on the premise of Detroit obtaining him. Buffalo doesn't have a replacement for him currently ready to go, Buffalo doesn't need to clear his "albatross" contract, Buffalo doesnt need to move him anywhere but maybe to wing.....this or these threads as i should say have been laughable to me especially watching the tempter tantrums detroit fans have thrown in comparison to Buffalo fans simply saying "okay then no deal...". ASP from what i have gathered can only be moved for McDavid and a vile of Gretzky's baby batter....so at least I learned that....

acting like 23 year old Cozens is a finished product when taking into account the ineptitude in coaching and roster construction around him his entire career makes me leery of simply pegging him as "an overpaid, maybe 40 point player" or whatever narrative that keeps getting pushed here. All over the place is the joking about how Buffalo trades away players just before they breakout or maybe better put become winners....eichel, ror, reinhart, montour, rodrigues ect....yet wanna spin that narrative and call our players overpaid or busts....then why make jokes and carry on about wanting to acquire them lol?! Gimme a break, I gave you youre substance response now leave me alone and don't bother responding, I've seen all I need to here...cheers and best wishes.

 

[Petes2424]

This reaks of sales tactics, you're fabricating an urgency that doesn't exist.
Cozens is all of 23 years old and will almost certainly be a useful player in some capacity even if for some reason he didn't go back to being a good top 6 player.
Sabres have cap space and they can buy him out easily if they so choose. Plus, they don't need "value" through trades with all the assets they have.
What they do need are specific pieces to make the team better. Another team offers those pieces, Dylan should be available.

It’s easy to say it’s not an urgency when it’s not your money but this is the Buffalo Sabres we’re talking about.

At what point do you think it effects his value at $7.1 million? 160 games? 250 games? 300 games?

It’s his 24 year old year. Like I’ve said, I personally think we’ll see THAT Cozens again, but to ignore a 115 game slump is ridiculous. It’s the ONLY reason they’re talking to teams. They’re thinking of getting out from under his contract before it’s too late.

Personally I think Detroit might be better off calling Colorado and seeing what they’re thinking of Mittlestadt right now. At least he’s only 30-35 games into falling off the map, and makes almost $2 million less than Cozens.

 

[nbwingsfan]

I haven't replied with substance because I havent been met with it. From the Rasmussen nonsense (was that even this thread or the other one with Detroit fans wanting Cozens?), to the Compher comps....to the criminally underrating Cozen's age and past flashes....what is there to argue? Most Sabres fans have no interest in anything you could viably offer OFF YOUR ROSTER TO MAKE US BETTER TODAY (it's been said 549 times approximately we as fans anyways have no interest in your futures)...so your fans bitterly claim him overrated and overpaid and yet keep the thread going based on the premise of Detroit obtaining him. Buffalo doesn't have a replacement for him currently ready to go, Buffalo doesn't need to clear his "albatross" contract, Buffalo doesnt need to move him anywhere but maybe to wing.....this or these threads as i should say have been laughable to me especially watching the tempter tantrums detroit fans have thrown in comparison to Buffalo fans simply saying "okay then no deal...". ASP from what i have gathered can only be moved for McDavid and a vile of Gretzky's baby batter....so at least I learned that....

acting like 23 year old Cozens is a finished product when taking into account the ineptitude in coaching and roster construction around him his entire career makes me leery of simply pegging him as "an overpaid, maybe 40 point player" or whatever narrative that keeps getting pushed here. All over the place is the joking about how Buffalo trades away players just before they breakout or maybe better put become winners....eichel, ror, reinhart, montour, rodrigues ect....yet wanna spin that narrative and call our players overpaid or busts....then why make jokes and carry on about wanting to acquire them lol?! Gimme a break, I gave you youre substance response now leave me alone and don't bother responding, I've seen all I need to here...cheers and best wishes.

You have once again, entirely dodged the questions.

What to you is the value of a guy who’s about to have his 2nd in a row ~40pt season while being paid $7.1m ?

It’s a pretty cut and dry question big fella.

 

[Uberpecker]

No matter how many words are being used, this thread is just another case of "your player sucks, now gimme your player!"

 

[MagnumForce2]

No matter how many words are being used, this thread is just another case of "your player sucks, now gimme your player!"

But we still want him

Personally I think Detroit might be better off calling Colorado and seeing what they’re thinking of Mittlestadt right now. At least he’s only 30-35 games into falling off the map, and makes almost $2 million less than Cozens.

You should. Seems like a better fit and idea.

 

[is the answer jesus]

It’s easy to say it’s not an urgency when it’s not your money but this is the Buffalo Sabres we’re talking about.

At what point do you think it effects his value at $7.1 million? 160 games? 250 games? 300 games?

It’s his 24 year old year. Like I’ve said, I personally think we’ll see THAT Cozens again, but to ignore a 115 game slump is ridiculous. It’s the ONLY reason they’re talking to teams. They’re thinking of getting out from under his contract before it’s too late.

Personally I think Detroit might be better off calling Colorado and seeing what they’re thinking of Mittlestadt right now. At least he’s only 30-35 games into falling off the map, and makes almost $2 million less than Cozens.

My two cents. I'm not saying it's impossible the Buffalo Sabres would like to slash salary, but it would really run contrary to everything this franchise has stated their goals are if Cozens is the avenue they go down to accomplish that. They've frequently stated their desire to grow players from within and keep/get players that want to be here. Cozens is still young and he plays a position they find themselves currently pretty thin at (admittedly because he hasnt seized that 2C role). He signed his deal and by all accounts is happy here, but has struggled. I don't doubt that he might be dangled in a package for a bigger fish or if somebody ponies up something of some real use to the Sabres, because at this point those are the only type of deals they can sell their fanbase. I doubt they have the balls to tell their fans they have trouble getting players to come here because of palm trees only to take a pretty good young one they just re-upped and trade him for scraps to save money. This seems to be the scenario many Red Wings fans have proposed yourself included. I think your premise that they are desperate to get out from under this deal is absolutely flawed. They are listening on Cozens because they are a team that's stagnant and needs a shot in the arm and outside of maybe Dahlin shouldn't have any untouchables.

 

[nbwingsfan]

No matter how many words are being used, this thread is just another case of "your player sucks, now gimme your player!"

I see very few Wings fans who want Cozens unless some of our bad contracts are also leaving.

 

[newfy]

I see very few Wings fans who want Cozens unless some of our bad contracts are also leaving.

As they shouldnt. Cozens is a risk after his last season and a half with the size of his contract. I dont think the wings should get him for free or hes a cap dump, but hes also not a sure thing at all. If Buffalo gets some good assets out of Detroit, theres going to be some cap going back

 

[Zetterberg4Captain]

No matter how many words are being used, this thread is just another case of "your player sucks, now gimme your player!"

I'd suggest most Wings fans do not want him whatsoever