Dylan Cozens was drafted with the seventh overall pick in the NHL 2019 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. When drafted, Cozens was looked at to help the Sabres get out of their rebuild.
Cozens showed his potential when he recorded a 68-point season in 2022-23. However, this season was a struggle for Cozens in Buffalo when he recorded 31 points in 61 games. Then, Cozens was traded to the Senators on March 7 to the Ottawa Senators.
When he was traded over, Cozens made an impact with the Senators to help them make the playoffs. However, it's clear that being traded to Ottawa was the best thing for Cozens' hockey career.
In just two months, Cozens is having more fun playing in Ottawa than in Buffalo
After being traded over to the Senators, Cozens recorded 16 points in 21 games with the Senators. Cozens' impact was immediate to help the Senators end an eight-year playoff drought. In the 2025 playoffs, Cozens had the biggest moment of his hockey career.
With the Senators holding a 1-0 lead in Game 5 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Cozens scored a shorthanded goal to put the Senators up 2-0. It turned out to be an important insurance goal.
At media day yesterday after the Senators' season concluded, Cozens reflected on his time with the Senators in just two months. Cozens said it was "the most fun" he's had playing hockey in a long time.
Cozens also talked about how things are more positive in Ottawa and how it helps players mentally. Cozens talked about how he always wanted to play in Canada as a native of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. Cozens described the Canadian Tire Centre atmosphere as nothing he's ever seen before.
As upset as some fans were to see Josh Norris be traded, hearing Cozens say positive things about the Senators and the country of Canada can excite Sens fans moving forward. If the trade for Cozens didn't happen, it could've been unsure if the Senators would've made the 2025 playoffs.
What can excite Sens fans more is Cozens is under contract until 2030. Cozens also said that he has "a lot more to give" by having more confidence with the puck and getting up to his top speed quicker.
While the Sabres missed out on another year to make the playoffs again since 2011, the Senators ended their playoff drought with Cozens on the team. With a next season ahead for Cozens, seeing what he can do in a full season in Ottawa only makes things more exciting for the 24-year-old.
Cozens will be relied on heavily next season, but it's clear that his comments show he's excited for next season.