The Buffalo Sabres just can’t catch a break. They’re in the middle of a brutal 13-game losing streak, and it’s bringing back some painful memories for their loyal fans.
The numbers are pretty ugly. They’ve been outscored 54-28 during this skid, and the team’s been getting pushed around on both ends of the ice.
Now everyone’s wondering if Dylan Cozens might be the next star player to get traded away. It’s a familiar story for Sabres fans, who’ve watched Ryan O’Reilly, Jack Eichel, and Casey Mittelstadt all get shipped out in recent years.
But trading Cozens won’t fix what’s broken in Buffalo.
Since their slide began on November 27, the Sabres have been the worst team in hockey at both scoring goals (2.15 per game) and keeping them out of their net (4.08). That’s not just one player’s fault.
Cozens has actually been one of the few bright spots. He’s put up seven points and thrown 29 hits during the losing streak – one of only two forwards showing up in both the scoring and physical departments. Tage Thompson is the other, with seven points and 21 hits.
Here’s what makes Cozens special: at just 23 years old, he’s already proven he can handle the tough minutes as Buffalo’s second-line center. Last season, he exploded for 31 goals and 68 points. That’s the kind of talent you build around, not trade away.
The trade market isn’t helping either. Young forwards aren’t bringing back much these days. Just look at Kaapo Kakko – a former second overall pick who the Rangers could only flip for William Borgen and some draft picks.
Plus, Cozens is on an incredibly team-friendly deal: seven years, $47.7 million, with no signing bonuses left. That’s the kind of contract smart teams hold onto.
The Sabres have seen this movie before. O’Reilly went on to win both the Conn Smythe and Selke Trophy after leaving. Eichel’s now a superstar in Vegas. Mittelstadt’s thriving in Colorado’s top six.
Sure, trading Cozens might open up ice time for rookie Jiri Kulich or newcomer Ryan McLeod. But it won’t solve the bigger problems in Buffalo.
The Sabres definitely need to shake things up – they haven’t made the playoffs in 14 years, and this losing streak is testing everyone’s patience. But maybe it’s time to try something different than trading away another young center who might just be their next star.
