Continuing our journey through this series looking at one team at a time to act as a trade partner. Please keep in mind this should not be viewed in the same way as a comprehensive GM for a day type of post where we are looking to completely overhaul the team in one fell swoop. Each article will “reset” the Sabres roster, so don’t be surprised to see the same players, prospects, and picks used repeatedly in various trade offers.
Next up – we have an in division rival that wouldn’t normally be a prime candidate as a trading partner. In this article we would be exploring a proposed trade between the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins.
To Buffalo: Pavel Zacha, Brandon Carlo, and Oskar Jellvik
To Boston: Dylan Cozens, Jacob Bryson, and Ryan Johnson
Let me start off by saying, I can imagine this trade may come off as a bit of shocker. Not only would the Sabres be trading a fan favorite and alternate captain in Dylan Cozens, but it would be to an in division rival who could help this young center take the next step in his career.
With that being said, lets look at what the Sabres would be getting in return for giving up such a valuable asset. When on his game, Pavel Zacha is a legimate top 6 center, with good size and an extremely hard shot when he chooses to use it. This season has been a bit of a down year for Zacha, but if we look at his two prior years with Boston, he posted very respectable numbers hitting the uppers 50s in points and a positive plus/minus rating in those seasons. Zacha does have a 10 team modified no trade clause, but maybe it would enticing for him to play with a fellow Czech player in Jiri Kulich.
Additionally, how often has it been said the Sabres need to add a physical right shot defenseman with experience? Look no further than Brandon Carlo, he brings great size and sound positioning, along with the ability to deliver a bone crushing hit when the occasion presents itself. Owen Power in particular could benefit playing alongside Carlo, and be able to focus on his offensive side of the game while learning a thing or two from Carlo’s own playstyle. Add in a promising prospect like Oskar Jellvik, who has put up very solid numbers at the NCAA level, and this trade may have some actual merit.
From a cap hit perspective – Cozens is signed for several more years at 7.1 million AAV, which could turn into a bargain if he is able to rekindle his 2022-2023 success and fulfill his potential. Bryson is only 900k, and Johnson is waivers exempt on an entry level deal. Zacha and Carlo both are signed through 2026-2027, with their AAVs being 4.75 and 4.1 million respectively.
We all know the value that Dylan Cozens has, and maybe this might be the time to sell high and optimize his value as a young cost controlled right shot center with potential. Bryson would likely be a depth defenseman, his skating ability may be intriguing. Ryan Johnson adds value in his own right, he has experience and at the NHL level and showed well during his stints with the Sabres. He may have a better path to continued success on the Bruins, not being continually stuck behind other high profile LHD like Dahlin, Power, and Byram.
Hope you enjoyed this hypothetical trade idea, is this enough of a package for Cozens? What would you add or take away? Looking forward to seeing your thoughts in the comments section!
Let’s Go Buffalo!