Buffalo Sabres Trade Once Star Player to Ottawa

The Buffalo Sabres need to make a lot of changes to a roster that is underperforming to the ice and has become the lagging stock of the NHL for their lack of toughness. One of the players who seems to have lost his edge is Dylan Cozens. The forward was once considered an up-and-coming star after scoring 31 goals in 2022. Since then, he has struggled. Cozens has only 11 goals in 61 games this season and had 18 goals last year. Fans have also been critical of his lack of physicality, especially after the team's recent loss to Tampa.

The Sabres have seen enough.

Buffalo Sabres Trade Once Star Player to Ottawa

The Buffalo Sabres have traded Dylan Cozens, a 2nd round pick, and defenseman Dennis Gilbert to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Center Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker.

Norris has a lot of upside but injury concerns. He scored 35 goals in 2021 in only 66 games. A left shoulder injury has limited his time since then, and his production has fallen off. Still, he is having a decent year so far, having tallied 20 goals and 33 points in 53 games this year. If he can get and stay healthy, Norris could become an excellent top 6 center. Norris in only 25 years old.

Bernard-Docker is 24 years old and a classic stay-at-home defenseman in the NHL. He is a right-handed shot. He has been a player who has gone back and forth between the NHL and AHL most of his career, which became in 2020. He has been in the AHL since December after playing 25 games for the Senators this year.

The NHL trade deadline is today at 3 pm ET.

The Sabres have also re-signed Jason Zucker to a 2-year deal.