Just In: Insider confirmed Maple Leafs Indicating Interest $49 Million Center Ahead of Trade Deadline
The Toronto Maple Leafs are anticipated to make moves before the trade deadline on March 7. They are in search of help at center and on defense, particularly aiming to secure a third-line center. According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, Toronto is interested in potentially trading for Buffalo Sabres standout centerman Dylan Cozens.
“It’s my understanding that 20 teams have inquired about Dylan Cozens this year,” Johnston mentioned on The Chris Johnston Show. “This includes some of the teams already noted, like Calgary, Vancouver, and Montreal, alongside Toronto and Detroit.
With 20 teams involved, we might as well list the ones that haven’t reached out rather than those that have.” Following Johnston’s report, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet also confirmed Toronto’s interest and noted they are exploring second-line center options as well. “I think they’re considering all of their possibilities,” Friedman said on 32 Thoughts. “
They would love to find a way to acquire a 2C, but that might prove challenging.” Cozens is currently in the second year of his seven-year, $49.7 million contract with the Sabres and plays as a second-line center in the NHL. The former first-round draft pick has participated in 53 games, tallying 10 goals and 16 assists for a total of 26 points, and he could potentially benefit from a change of scenery.
Despite Cozens having a long-term contract, he has been mentioned in trade discussions. As the March 7 trade deadline approaches, Chris Johnston from The Athletic released his trade bait board, ranking Cozens fifth. “With the Sabres struggling towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and needing a change, there have been numerous inquiries about Cozens,” Johnston noted.
Approximately two-thirds of NHL teams have at least checked on his status. Even in a subpar season, the 6-foot-3 center remains highly attractive. He possesses impressive speed and skill for his size and has already recorded a 30-goal NHL season at just 23 years old. However, the catch is that it will require a substantial offer to get him out of Buffalo—ideally centered around an established player rather than just prospects. So far, such an offer hasn’t surfaced.” While Cozens is being discussed in trade talks, Buffalo would likely command a significant return for him, considering his youth and long-term contract.
Toronto ranks among the elite teams in the NHL and is expected to be proactive as the trade deadline approaches.
Currently sitting in second place in the Atlantic Division, general manager Brad Treliving has stated that he is continually seeking opportunities to enhance the team.
“You’re always monitoring the situation. While a lot of attention is focused on the deadline, there are always ways to improve your team, and that improvement isn’t always about external options,” Treliving mentioned on January 13. “Given the injuries we’ve faced this year, particularly among our forward group, we’ve had an opportunity to evaluate what we have within our own ranks, which is valuable. We’ve seen some players step up and perform well, providing us with insights into our organizational depth.”
Toronto will play their final game on February 8 against the Vancouver Canucks before heading into the 4 Nations Face-Off.
No Comment! Be the first one.