The Detroit Red Wings have been linked to Dylan Cozens, with one proposed trade suggesting they acquire the star forward from the Buffalo Sabres.
PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool allows users to create hypothetical trades, and one user proposed a four-player deal that would see Cozens heading to Detroit.
Proposed Trade:
Red Wings receive:
- Dylan Cozens
- Konsta Helenius
Sabres receive:
- Alex DeBrincat
- Dylan James
This trade could make sense, as both teams aim to break their playoff droughts while swapping key players. Detroit would add Cozens, who is in the second year of his seven-year, $49.7 million contract. He could replace DeBrincat in the lineup and contribute offensively, having posted 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points in 52 games this season.
Helenius, the 14th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, would provide youth to Detroit’s system and could compete for a roster spot next season.
Buffalo, in return, would receive DeBrincat, who is in the second year of his four-year, $31.5 million contract. A stronger offensive player than Cozens, DeBrincat could help the Sabres push for a playoff spot, having recorded 23 goals and 19 assists for 42 points in 53 games.
The Sabres would also acquire Dylan James, a second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, who is currently playing college hockey at North Dakota and remains unsigned.
Red Wings Interested in Cozens
Detroit has reportedly shown interest in Cozens, as his name has surfaced in trade discussions. With Buffalo currently outside of a playoff position, trade rumors have swirled around the team.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted, “I believe the Buffalo player the Red Wings were (are?) looking at is Dylan Cozens.” Meanwhile, DailyFaceoff’s Matt Larkin linked Cozens to Detroit, suggesting he could fill the team’s need for a prime-aged second-line center.
Cozens was drafted 7th overall in 2019 and could provide Detroit with much-needed depth down the middle.
Red Wings Pushing for a Playoff Spot
Detroit is in the middle of a playoff race, aiming to end their postseason drought dating back to 2015-16. A recent overtime win against Vancouver was crucial to their push.
“We have a lot of resilience in this room,” DeBrincat said after the victory. “Today wasn’t an easy game, but we battled through it and got the two points.”
Head coach Todd McLellan praised the team’s effort, stating, “Sometimes the art has to hang in the basement. It wasn’t pretty, but we found a way to scrap out a win.”
Currently holding a Wild Card spot with a 27-21-5 record, the Red Wings remain in the thick of the postseason race.
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