The Ottawa Senators have been searching for a top-six forward since the midway point of last season. As this offseason has unfolded, they moved one out by trading Brady Tkachuk and brought one back in by acquiring William Eklund. As a result, they're essentially in the same position they were entering the offseason.
General manager Steve Staios has been unable to add another top-six forward, and it appeared that Andre Burakovsky could become a reclamation project to fill a role on the second line. However, there's a strong case to be made that the solution could come internally.
Dylan Cozens has already shown he can thrive on the wing
Dylan Cozens is currently the Senators' second-line centre, but when he played for Team Canada at the recent IIHF World Championship, he spent time on Sidney Crosby's wing. Of course, no one is going to move Crosby out of the middle, but it demonstrated that Cozens is both willing and capable of playing on the wing.
Cozens finished the tournament with four goals and seven points, and at times looked like a player ready to take the next step in his development.
There were also stretches throughout last season when Cozens found himself lining up alongside Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson. He went on to record the second-best statistical season of his career in 2025–26, totaling 28 goals and 31 assists playing in all 82 games.
Why moving Cozens to the wing makes sense for Ottawa
Cozens possesses an exceptional shot, and when he's given the opportunity to use it, it is both powerful and highly accurate. His one-timer on the power play added another dangerous dimension to Ottawa's attack this season. If Cozens were to move to the wing, the obvious fit would be alongside Tim Stützle, where his shot could create even more scoring opportunities. However, there's also a compelling argument for a second line consisting of Cozens, Shane Pinto, and Drake Batherson.
Pinto recently posted the best season of his career, recording 23 goals and 23 assists. What makes him especially valuable, however, is his elite defensive play. Pinto finished sixth in Selke Trophy voting, receiving eight first-place votes. Cozens also received Selke votes, finishing 31st in the voting, just behind Crosby. Giving Pinto a greater offensive role while allowing Cozens to take advantage of his shot on the wing, with Batherson rounding out the line, could create one of the league's most effective second units.
With so much discussion surrounding Ottawa having "lost the offseason," the Senators have an opportunity to change that narrative immediately. Opening the season with Dylan Cozens on the wing and watching him thrive would show exactly why the organization didn't pursue another top-six forward.
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