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Blackhawks listed as leading candidates to acquire former seventh overall Sabres draft pick

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Sam Walker
January 11, 2025  (6:22 PM)
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Chicago Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres connected in Blockbuster trade for a former seventh overall pick, if traded, Blackhawks will acquire him

The Buffalo Sabres are in a crucial era at the moment, much like the Chicago Blackhawks, but for the Sabres; they have not made the playoffs in 15 years, since 2010.

As this dwelling point of their franchise continues, it seems like a fire sale is erupting, including players that have the most promising future, as in 23-year old forward Dylan Cozens.

Once traded, the Blackhawks are favorites to acquire the sought after forward.

According to multiple reports , the Sabres are continuing to take calls on Cozens, a former 7th overall pick who is still yet to bloom at such a young age.

Just a season and a half ago, Cozens unleashed his true scoring potential, burying 31-goals for his best season yet. But the Sabres are in need of a big move to shake things up, and sadly Cozens is to sacrifice.

Matt Larkin of NHL's Daily Faceoff proposed multiple trade destinations , and the Chicago Blackhawks are leaders.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks need to show some sign of progression as they build around cornerstone center Connor Bedard. So far, they're nowhere close to icing a competitive team and furthering his development. Adding a big pivot who can log significant minutes would take some pressure off Bedard - and Frank Nazar. They'd have to send some salary Buffalo's way to make a deal work this season, but next season wouldn't be a problem, given a combined $10 million for Taylor Hall and Alec Martinez expires. As a bonus: Cozens grew up a Blackhawks fan.
Said insider Matt Larkin

What the Chicago Blackhawks would sacrifice to acquire Cozens

The best they could do is dangle a sturdy right-shot veteran blueliner such as Connor Murphy, but he's 31 and the Sabres aren't really pushing for a playoff spot. If Buffalo moves Cozens it needs a twentysomething player with upside coming its way in the deal.
Larkin noted

It sounds like a possible trade: Lukas Reichel, Connor Murphy and a draft pick could potentially do enough to land Cozens.

Larkin also links the Blackhawks rivals, the Detroit Red Wings, to Cozens. Alongside the Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers.

If general manager Kyle Davidson is serious about getting Bedard support, and the Blackhawks roster back to their old winning-ways, a bold move like this is needing to be made.

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Blackhawks listed as leading candidates to acquire former seventh overall Sabres draft pick

Which Chicago Blackhawk would you sacrifice to land this Buffalo Sabres' former seventh overall NHL draft pick?

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