The Montreal Canadiens have 2019 first-rounders Kirby Dach, Cole Caufield, and Alex Newhook on their roster. They have also reportedly kicked the tires on adding Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks. So, why not be one of the teams interested in acquiring Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres? The 2019 draft must have been a favorite for Kent Hughes, as he cannot stop adding players from that class.
Cozens went seventh overall in that draft, with four picks after Dach. Cozens has been one of the top point producers from the class, sitting behind Jack Hughes, Matt Boldy, and Caufield. However, it hasn't been a good couple of seasons for the "Workhorse from Whitehorse." He recorded 31 goals and 37 assists in 81 games in 2022-23, which earned him a seven-year, $7.1 million annual contract into the 2029-30 season.
Cozens hasn't been able to replicate that success, following up that season with just 47 points in 79 games. Many felt it was just a one-off struggle amidst many issues with the Sabres, and he and the team would figure out how to turn it around. The reality was that the Sabres have been even worse this season, and Cozens is on pace for only 40 points.
Cozens needs a fresh start, and many teams are questioning his availability. Kevin Weekes reported on X that the Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings are among the teams expressing interest in Cozens. It'll be challenging for the Canadiens to get Cozens, as these other teams will go all-in on him to help this year's playoff run, but he makes tons of sense as a future center for the Canadiens.
The Habs need to improve their center depth. Dach doesn't look like the answer for their second-line center issues, and it's hard to trust Michael Hage with that responsibility once he turns pro. There are also questions about Juraj Slafkovsky's potential, which could open up more room to maneuver in the top six.
RG.org reports that the Sabres would likely want a first-round pick and a young player off the roster to acquire Cozens. The Canadiens have two first-round picks and don't want to gift the Sabres a high pick. The rumor is that the Flames and Red Wings are showing much more interest in Cozens, and the Canadiens have more than him on their radar. They are still looking at Zegras, and Casey Mittelstadt is another center who could be on the move.
So, should the Canadiens explore acquiring Cozens? They need to worry about his production over the last two seasons. Some players improve with a fresh start, but what if Cozens comes to Montreal and becomes another Dach? Dach still has time to improve, but if he and Cozens continue on their path, it'd be disastrous for the Canadiens.