Dylan Cozens is set to make a memorable return to Buffalo as he takes to the ice against the Sabres for the first time since being traded to the Ottawa Senators. The game, scheduled for March 25, 2025, at the KeyBank Center, marks a significant moment for Cozens, who began his NHL journey with the Sabres after being drafted No. 7 overall in 2019.
In the trade that occurred on March 7, Cozens, along with defenceman Dennis Gilbert, was sent to Ottawa in exchange for centre Josh Norris and defenceman Jacob Bernard-Docker, shifting the dynamics for all involved. Reflecting on his departure, Cozens expressed surprise at the trade, noting, "I thought I was going to be there for a long time. I thought I was going to be part of the solution and I dreamt every day about turning things around there, being a successful team and what it would be like. It didn’t work out, but it’s what it is, and I’m happy to be here and very happy to be a Senator."
Throughout his five seasons and 341 games with the Sabres, Cozens had envisioned a long-term relationship with the organization, and stepping back into the arena where it all began will undoubtedly evoke a mix of emotions. "It’s always a little weird," remarked Senators forward David Perron, sharing the sentiment that coming back to a former team carries its unique emotional weight. "There is a team that believed in you enough to draft you at the level they did; they invested a lot of time and effort into you becoming an NHL player."
Cozens is returning to Buffalo at a crucial moment, as the Senators are striving to secure their first playoff appearance since 2017, currently sitting in the first wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference. In just eight games with Ottawa, Cozens has registered three goals and seven points, making a smooth transition to his new team. His connection with wingers Drake Batherson and Perron has helped him acclimate quickly. Cozens previously played alongside Batherson during the 2022 IIHF World Hockey Championship with Team Canada, reinforcing their bond.
"It’s a great group here. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms, and it’s been easy to fit in," Cozens shared, emphasizing the warm reception. His comfort has been further enhanced by staying with Batherson since arriving in Ottawa, making the adjustment to a new city a bit easier.
This particular trip holds extra significance for Cozens as it coincides with the Senators' Father’s Trip, allowing him to share the experience with his dad, Mike. Cozens expressed his enjoyment at having his father accompany him, especially since it provides an opportunity for Mike to witness his son’s return to Buffalo: "It’s pretty cool that he’s coming along on this one. He will get to see one last game in Buffalo. He had to clear his work schedule because it was pretty short notice but I don’t think he’d miss this for the world."
In the backdrop of this emotional reunion, Cozens will focus on the game ahead. He intends to approach it like any other, stating, "It’s going to be a little weird for sure but I’m going to try not to overthink it. At the end of the day, just another game and another two points that we need." The Ottawa Senators are eager to make a push for the playoffs, and every point will count as they continue down the stretch of the season.
On the flip side, Sabres fans will be watching closely as Josh Norris navigates his new role with the team; however, he hasn’t played much since the trade, appearing in only three games and last taking the ice on March 12 in a game against Detroit where he scored his first goal in a Buffalo uniform.
This matchup promises to be not just a regular game, but a confrontation charged with personal history and professional aspirations. As Cozens steps back into the KeyBank Center ice, he will undoubtedly carry the weight of his past while embracing the opportunity to forge his new path in Ottawa.
With playoff ambitions on the line and the haunting reminiscence of dreams unfulfilled in Buffalo, all eyes will be on Dylan Cozens as he embarks on this new chapter of his career, one that will undoubtedly leave a mark on his journey as an NHL player.
