When the Buffalo Sabres traded away Dylan Cozens to the Ottawa Senators in March 2025, it was a shocking trade with Cozens spending his whole career in Buffalo.
Cozens fit in well in Ottawa last season with helping the team end its eight-year playoff drought. Even with a strong 21 games after the trade, not everyone was on board about Cozens' potential this upcoming season.
This past Summer, Cozens was criticized with his contract being named the worst on the Senators, and by Buffalo media. However, with how his first full season is going in Ottawa, Cozens deserves more appreciation and respect for what he's doing this season.
Cozens off to incredible start
Cozens is off to the best start in a single season in his career. Through nine games this season, Cozens has recorded nine points.
With each game, it seems Cozens' game and role is relied on more by the Senators. So far, he's embracing his role.
Cozens' nine points is tied for the most on the Senators with Shane Pinto. Cozens' six goals are the second most on the Senators, and his six powerplay points are the most on the Senators. Not many people would've predicted that Cozens would be atop the Senators in offensive categories on Oct. 26, but he is thriving so far this season.
One thing that Cozens is doing well is shooting the puck to generate chances. Cozens' 26 shots on goal is tied for the second most on the Senators with Tim Stutzle. Not being afraid to shoot the puck is a big thing for a hockey player, and Cozens is doing that.
Along with thew ability to shoot the puck, Cozens has been incredibly hot lately. Cozens recorded a three-point game last night in the Senators 7-1 win over the Washington Capitals. Cozens scored two of the seven goals for the Senators, and two of the first three goals. Cozens almost completed the hat trick last night, but hit the post in the second period.
"He's been playing strong all year," said head coach Travis Green about Cozens following the win.
Over the past five games combined, Cozens has scored five goals and recorded six points.
With each game he plays, it seems that Cozens' confidence continues to grow more. If Cozens continues to play the way he is, he can be one of the Senators' best players on the roster.
Cozens and the Senators will be back in action tomorrow night when they host the Boston Bruins at Canadian Tire Centre with a 7:30 p.m. ET puck drop.