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Breaking Down the Senators-Sabres Trade on March 7, 2025
On March 7, 2025, at 09:30 AM PST, the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators finalized a major NHL trade. The deal saw Dylan Cozens and Dennis Gilbert heading to the Ottawa Senators along with a 2026 second-round draft pick. In return, the Buffalo Sabres received forward Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker.
This trade, first reported by Daily Faceoff and NHL.com Senators News, reflects significant roster shifts for both teams as they position themselves for the future.
- Ottawa Senators receive:
- Dylan Cozens (C, 24 years old)
- Dennis Gilbert (D, 27 years old)
- 2026 second-round draft pick
- Buffalo Sabres receive:
- Josh Norris (C, 25 years old)
- Jacob Bernard-Docker (D, 23 years old)
Why Did the Buffalo Sabres Trade Dylan Cozens?
The Buffalo Sabres have been stuck in a 13-year playoff drought, the longest active streak in the NHL. Despite assembling a talented young core, including Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Tage Thompson, the team has struggled with consistency.
Key Factors Behind the Trade:
- Salary Cap Considerations:
- Cozens is in the second year of his seven-year, $49.7 million contract ($7.1M AAV).
- Buffalo’s long-term cap structure required flexibility for upcoming contract extensions.
- Performance Fluctuations:
- Cozens was a 30-goal scorer in the 2022-23 season but struggled with consistency and injuries in 2024-25.
- His points per game dropped from 0.85 to 0.64 over two seasons.
- Buffalo’s Depth at Center:
- With Tage Thompson and Peyton Krebs solidifying their spots, Buffalo prioritized a two-way center in Josh Norris.
Why the Ottawa Senators Targeted Dylan Cozens
The Ottawa Senators have been aggressively pursuing roster upgrades in their push for a 2025 playoff spot. After missing the postseason in 2024, the front office focused on acquiring a skilled two-way center to complement their offensive core.
How Dylan Cozens Strengthens Ottawa:
- Elite Forechecking and Two-Way Play: Cozens brings a physical presence and strong puck retrieval ability.
- Offensive Upside: At 24, he still has high offensive potential, having previously scored 30+ goals.
- Playoff Aspirations: The Senators see Cozens as a top-six center who can help secure a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Full Trade Analysis: Winners and Losers
Ottawa Senators: A Future Star?
Grade: A-
The Senators acquire a talented young center with potential to become a consistent 60+ point player. They also gain a second-round pick, adding draft capital for the future.
Potential Risks:
- If Cozens fails to regain his scoring touch, Ottawa may have overpaid.
- Dennis Gilbert is a depth defenseman and may not play a significant role.
Buffalo Sabres: A Step Toward Stability
Grade: B+
Buffalo adds immediate impact players with Norris and Bernard-Docker.
Key Benefits:
- Josh Norris: A reliable two-way center who has scored 28+ goals in multiple seasons.
- Jacob Bernard-Docker: A defensive-minded blueliner who strengthens Buffalo’s penalty kill.
Potential Risks:
- Norris has a history of injury concerns (shoulder surgeries).
- Bernard-Docker has yet to fully develop into a top-four defenseman.
How Does This Trade Affect the NHL Playoff Picture?
With the 2025 NHL trade deadline approaching, this deal has major implications for both the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference playoff race.
Ottawa Senators’ Playoff Outlook
The Senators currently sit fifth in the Atlantic Division, battling teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning for a Wild Card spot. Adding Cozens provides much-needed center depth, potentially boosting Ottawa into the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Buffalo Sabres’ Long-Term Vision
Buffalo is focused on sustainable success rather than a short-term playoff push. Norris provides scoring and leadership, while Bernard-Docker strengthens their defensive core.
Player Comparison: Dylan Cozens vs. Josh Norris
| Stat | Dylan Cozens (2024-25) | Josh Norris (2024-25) |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 59 | 62 |
| Goals | 16 | 22 |
| Assists | 24 | 27 |
| Points | 40 | 49 |
| Faceoff Win % | 48.2% | 50.1% |
| Time on Ice (TOI) | 18:25 | 19:10 |
| Cap Hit | $7.1M AAV | $7.95M AAV |
Who Won the Trade? Expert Opinions and Analysis
NHL Analysts React to the Trade:
- Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet): “Ottawa made a strong push for Cozens, believing in his long-term upside. Buffalo, on the other hand, gains a more reliable two-way forward in Norris.”
- Frank Seravalli (Daily Faceoff): “Buffalo fans may be divided on this trade, but if Norris stays healthy, he could be the missing piece to end their playoff drought.”
- Pierre LeBrun (The Athletic): “Cozens needed a change of scenery, and Ottawa offers him the opportunity to thrive.”
Final Thoughts: What This Trade Means for the NHL’s Future
This trade could be one of the defining moments of the 2025 NHL season. Both teams have legitimate reasons for making the move, and the outcome will depend on how well these players adapt to their new teams.
- If Dylan Cozens rediscovers his 30-goal form, Ottawa could return to playoff contention.
- If Josh Norris stays healthy, Buffalo may have secured the more reliable player in the long run.
As the NHL season unfolds, this trade will remain a hot topic, shaping both teams’ futures for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who did the Buffalo Sabres trade for Dylan Cozens?
The Buffalo Sabres traded Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert, and a 2026 second-round pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker.
2. Why did the Sabres trade Dylan Cozens?
Buffalo made the move due to cap flexibility, inconsistency in Cozens’ performance, and the opportunity to acquire a more reliable two-way center in Norris.
3. How will Dylan Cozens impact the Ottawa Senators?
Cozens brings offensive skill, forechecking ability, and center depth, making him a key piece for Ottawa’s 2025 playoff push.
4. Is Josh Norris an upgrade over Dylan Cozens?
Norris offers better defensive play and faceoff ability, but Cozens has a higher offensive ceiling. The long-term value of the trade will depend on their performance.
Conclusion: A Trade That Could Shape the NHL Playoff Race
The 2025 NHL trade deadline delivered a major shake-up with this Buffalo Sabres-Ottawa Senators deal. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will closely watch how this trade shapes the future of both franchises.
