Chicago Blackhawks Emerge As Suitors To Acquire Former 7th Overall Sabres Draft Pick

The Buffalo Sabres' Dylan Cozens has been listed as one of the top trade candidates at the deadline this season.

Since the Sabres are struggling, they're open to selling at the deadline. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Blackhawks are one team who are interested in Cozens.

The Blackhawks could use an upgrade at 2C and could be a versatile forward to the team who could shift to the wing if they need to.

Cozens is two years removed from his career year where he scored 68 points (31 G, 37 A) in 2022-2023 this was the year the Sabres almost made the playoffs.

Should GM Kyle Davidson make an offer to Kevyn Adams for Cozens, he could get a fresh start in Chicago.

With a fresh start, comes lowered expectations. Like many other NHL players who have passed through here, he might find a way to rejuvenate his career.

Cozens would fit the team's rebuild timeline at only 23 years old and already has 332 games of NHL experience under his belt.

His contract signed in 2023-2024, pays him $7.1 million, and expires in 2030 when he turns 29.

The Blackhawks will have control during the prime years of his career, which would be great for the team as they need to improve the lineup.

As it stands now, the team lacks a true 2C. They recently promoted Frank Nazar to the NHL, and he has found a home on the 3rd-line, for now.

Cozens plays as the second-line center in Buffalo, behind rookie Jiri Kulich, who slots in on the first, with JJ Peterka, and Isak Rosen.

Cozens plays with bruiser Jason Zucker and Alex Tuch, he'd fit into the Blackhawks' lineup well. He could find linemates in Tyler Bertuzzi, and Teuvo Teravainen if he does end up landing in Chicago.

But for now, the Blackhawks will have to continue to work the phones in order to find a 2C.

Hopefully, they can find a way to lure Cozens to Chicago, as Buffalo has struggled under Lindy Ruff.