The Toronto Maple Leafs are anticipated to be active before the March 7 trade deadline.
Toronto has a need at center and on defense, and the Maple Leafs are expected to pursue a third-line center. However, NHL insider Chris Johnston believes Toronto is interested in trade for Buffalo Sabres star centerman Dylan Cozens.
Play
“It’s my understanding that 20 teams have called Dylan Cozens this year,” Johnston stated on The Chris Johnston Show. “That includes some of the ones already listed. Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, and Detroit have all made inquiries. It’s 20 teams; we should start noting who hasn’t called and who has.”
Following Johnston’s claim, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet verified Toronto’s interest. He also believes that the Maple Leafs are seeking for second-line centers.
“I think they’re weighing all of that stuff,” Friedman told 32 Thoughts. “I think they would love to see if they can swing for a 2C, but it just might not be possible.”
Cozens is in the second year of a seven-year, $49.7 million contract with the Sabres and plays second-line center in the NHL. The former first-round pick has appeared in 53 games, scoring 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points, but he may be in need of a change of scenery.
Cozens is a likely trade candidate for the Sabres.
Despite being signed long-term, Cozens’ name has come up in trade discussions.
Before the March 7 trade deadline, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston revealed his trade bait board, which ranks Cozens fifth.
“With the Sabres languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and in need of some kind of shakeup, there have been plenty of outside inquiries about Cozens,” according to Johnston. “Around two-thirds of NHL teams have inquired about his availability. Despite a poor season, the 6-foot-3 center remains appealing. He has impressive speed and talent for his height, and at the age of 23, he has already scored 30 goals in the NHL. But here’s the catch: he’ll need a substantial offer to leave Buffalo. Something constructed around an established player, rather than just a prospect. So far, that hasn’t happened.
Although Cozens has been in trade negotiations, Buffalo would likely get a good deal for him because he is young and signed long-term.
Maple Leafs Look to Improve Roster
Toronto is one of the NHL’s elite clubs and is likely to be active before the deadline.
The Maple Leafs sit second in the Atlantic, and general manager Brad Treliving says he’s constantly searching for ways to enhance the squad.
“You’re constantly watching. I know that a much is made of the deadline. But you’re constantly looking for methods to better your squad. “And it’s not always just external,” Treliving stated on January 13. “The one thing about injuries this year and the number of injuries we’ve had up front is that we’ve had an opportunity to evaluate ourselves internally, which is crucial. We’ve seen several people step up and play well. It provides you a small idea of what you have within the business.”
Toronto will play their final game against the Vancouver Canucks on February 8 before the 4 Nations Face-Off.