The Ottawa Senators have acquired forward Dylan Cozens, defenceman Dennis Gilbert, and a 2026 second-round pick from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker.
TRADE ALERT: The #Sens have acquired F Dylan Cozens, D Dennis Gilbert, and a 2026 2nd round pick from @BuffaloSabres in exchange for F Josh Norris and D Jacob Bernard-Docker.
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 7, 2025
Les #Sens ont acquis l’attaquant Dylan Cozens, le défenseur Dennis Gilbert et un choix de deuxième ronde… pic.twitter.com/Q46BP2zDk3
This blockbuster deal is the biggest one of the day so far, with some good talent swapping places. The Senators have helped their chances at a playoff berth, while the Sabres bring in new faces that could provide a much-needed shake-up for next season.
Senators Have Eyes Set on the Playoffs
Cozens, also known as the Whitehorse Workhorse for his work ethic, is a 24-year-old center and a former 60+ point player. Since scoring 68 points during the 2022-23 season, Cozens has slowed down a bit, only collecting 47 points last season and currently on pace to finish with 42 this season. His reduced production might be an indication that both Cozens and the Sabres wanted to switch things up.
Related: 2025 NHL Trade Deadline Tracker
Cozens will fit right in as a second-line center for the Senators, now giving them a one-two punch of Cozens and Stutzle down the middle. The seventh-overall pick in 2019 boosts the Senators’ offensive game in multiple ways. Cozens is a strong two-way player with speed, a lethal shot, a knack for getting to the inside and in front of the net, and isn’t afraid to use his frame to finish checks. An all-around player like Cozens is built for the playoffs, which is exactly what the Senators needed.
It’s unlikely that Dennis Gilbert would come in and join the Senators’ roster as they push for a playoff spot, but having him as a seventh or eighth defenceman in case of injuries doesn’t hurt.
There is lots to look forward to if you are a Senators fan, and on top of adding a player like Cozens and a depth defenceman, the Senators’ general manager also managed to secure a second-round pick.
Sabres Shake Things Up
Losing Cozens is tough, especially considering he has the potential to hit 70+ points in a season. But after two seasons of slower production, it’s not surprising the Sabres were willing to move on. Not to mention, the Sabres can’t seem to take that next step forward toward the postseason, and the return they received could work out well in the future, as both Norris and Bernard-Docker were first-round picks.
Norris is a center and a proven goal-scorer. With 30+ goals twice in his career, he will have an immediate impact on the Sabres’ offence. The issue with Norris is his inability to remain healthy. Having dealt with many injuries over the past few seasons, there is a higher risk that he could be sidelined at some point.
Bernard-Docker broke into a full-time NHL role last season and recorded four goals and 14 points through 72 games. This season, he has played 25 games, scoring one goal and four points. Drafted in 2018, he hasn’t fully panned out the way the Senators were hoping, and injuries have played a part in that. He is known for his excellent mobility and offensive talent, especially quarterbacking the power play.
With the health concerns both Norris and Docker bring, it’s interesting that the Sabres also gave up a second-round pick. Nonetheless, this is a pretty massive trade that could end up working out great for both sides.
