At the 2019 NHL Draft, Dylan Cozens was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres with the seventh overall pick in the draft. Cozens was looked at to help the Sabres end their playoff drought since 2011.
In the 2022-23 season, Cozens delivered with a career-high 68-point season in Buffalo. However, the next two seasons in Buffalo were a struggle. A fresh start was given to Cozens this past March when he was traded to the Ottawa Senators.
Although Sens fans were sad to see Josh Norris be involved in the trade for Cozens, the impact Cozens provided in 21 games was a solid one. Now, Cozens has the ability to raise his game even more in Ottawa with a full season ahead of him.
How good can Cozens be in 2025-26?
In 21 games with the Senators after being traded over, Cozens' impact and presence was felt. Along with recording 16 points, the Senators won 14 of their 21 games with Cozens in the lineup.
Had Cozens not been traded to Ottawa, the playoff push could've been uncertain. However, Cozens fit well in Ottawa despite playing in 21 games. Cozens helped the Senators make the playoffs for the first time in eight years, while his old team the Sabres still haven't made the playoffs since 2011.
An area Cozens fit well in Ottawa was on the powerplay. Of Cozens' five goals he scored with the Senators after being traded over, three of them came on the powerplay.
One of Cozens' top moments came in his second game as a Senator when he scored a powerplay goal against the Detroit Red Wings on March 10, which turned out to be the game-winning goal. Cozens needed a big moment to quickly win Sens fans over in his first game as a Senator in Ottawa, and his goal against Detroit did that with sending Canadian Tire Centre in a frenzy.
THE BOYS ARE PUMPED!!#GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/nFwWUqkpU5
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 11, 2025
With a full season ahead of him in Ottawa, what can be a potential point total for Cozens? Given the success he had in 21 games and making an impact, a season with over 65-70 points could make Cozens raise his game higher.
Cozens spent time playing alongside Drake Batherson, a player who has recorded three consecutive 60-point seasons. The two played together fairly and contributed big to Ottawa. Playing alongside Batherson for a full season can help Cozens and Batherson raise each other with their chemistry.
With having five years remaining on his contract, Cozens can be part of the Senators for years to come. Cozens was recently named as part of one of the best Senators core players under 25 years old.
Now, the 2025-26 season will be the first true test to see how good Cozens is capable of being in Ottawa with his first full season with the Senators starting on Oct. 9 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.