Expectations were high for Dylan Cozens when he was drafted seventh overall in the 2019 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. It was the 2022-23 season in which Cozens first showed promise with a 68-point season.
After struggles over the next two seasons in Buffalo, Cozens was traded to the Ottawa Senators this past March. With Cozens on the team contributing big, the Senators made the 2025 playoffs.
The 2025-26 season will be Cozens' first full season in Ottawa at 24 years old. Cozens will have high expectations, but excitement is there from Sens fans for him to become a major piece of the roster. However, before the new season arrives in October, Cozens ended up on a brutal new list that was created, but he was the only Senator on the roster valid for the list.
Cozens' contract named worst on Senators roster
Recently, Talking Hockey made a list of the worst contract on every NHL team. For the Senators, Talking Hockey named Cozens' contract as the worst.
Talking Hockey named Dylan Cozens' contract as the worst on the Senators roster pic.twitter.com/7YhqUB3Mch
— Jake Ferraro (@18Jxxx18) August 4, 2025
Despite Cozens being named the worst contract, he was the only valid choice among players on the roster.
Cozens has five years remaining on his contract at $7.1 million per year. Cozens is one of just three Senators under contract until 2030 or later. Forward Tim Stutzle and defenseman Jake Sanderson are the two other players, but they both have become top players in the NHL at their position.
Most Senators on the roster are under contract until 2026 or 2027. Important players Brady Tkachuk and Thomas Chabot each have their contracts end in 2028 along with Fabian Zetterlund.
Ridly Greig and Linus Ullmark each have their contracts run out in 2029. Greig has a solid and valuable $3.25 million per year salary at 22 years old, while Ullmark has an $8.25 million per year salary. However, Ullmark is one of the top goaltenders in the NHL.
Taking into consideration all of the players on the roster, Cozens was the only Senator valid to be named the worst contract with the lentgth and salary. However, Cozens' play in Ottawa was a solid one that is eager to grow more next season.
Cozens recorded 16 points in 21 games with the Senators after being traded over. The Senators won 14 of the 21 games when Cozens was in the lineup. The impact of Cozens helping the Senators win was crucial for their 2025 playoff chase.
With being young, Cozens can be part of the Senators' young core for many years to come. With already making a strong impact in 21 games since March, more pressure but a chance to show why he's a skilled player is higher than ever for Cozens in Ottawa.