NHL Trade Rumor: Insider claims Red Wings eyeing $49,700,000 Sabres’ center ahead of deadline

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported in his Tuesday “32 Thoughts” column that the Detroit Red Wings are interested in Buffalo Sabres’ center Dylan Cozens. Cozens is under contract for seven years at $49.7 million, with a cap hit of $7.1 million per season.

Cozens signed the contract extension on February 7, 2023, as part of Buffalo's long-term future. But it seems with the March 7 trade deadline approaching, he is drawing a lot of interest.

"I believe the Buffalo player the Red Wings were (are?) looking at is Dylan Cozens," Friedman wrote.

Cozens has had an inconsistent 2024-25 season. In 41 games, he has scored 8 goals and 12 assists, totaling 20 points. However, his defensive struggles have been noticeable, with a plus/minus -14 rating. He has contributed more in wins, scoring 8 points in Buffalo’s 15 victories, but has been less effective in losses.

The Buffalo Sabres are 15-21-5 and are 10 points out of a playoff spot. With this season looking difficult, they may consider trading Cozens for valuable assets. In his NHL career, Cozens has played 321 games, recording 74 goals and 112 assists for 186 points.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings are on a five-game winning streak and just five points behind the third-placed Boston Bruins in the Atlantic Division standings. Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat lead Detroit with 17 goals each, while Lucas Raymond has 42 points this season.

Detroit is looking to boost its playoff chances and sees Cozens as a strong addition. Adding him would provide depth, but Buffalo will likely want a substantial return. Both teams have reasons to make a deal, but negotiations will determine the outcome.

Detroit Red Wings defeated Ottawa Senators 3-2 in overtime

The Detroit Red Wings beat the Ottawa Senators 3-2 in overtime at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday.

Dylan Larkin scored the first goal for Detroit on a power play at 8:30 of the first period. He finished a passing play with Alex DeBrincat and Lucas Raymond, extending his goal streak to four games.

Thomas Chabot tied the game 1-1 for Ottawa at 12:25 of the second period with a shot from the point. Later, Brady Tkachuk scored a power-play goal at 19:05, giving Ottawa a 2-1 lead.

Joe Veleno tied the game 2-2 at 5:00 of the third period, scoring on a rebound in front. In overtime, Patrick Kane scored the game-winner on a power play at 2:21. He fired a wrist shot past Anton Forsberg after a key face-off win by Larkin.