Leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline last season, the Buffalo Sabres decided it was time to trade Dylan Cozens. They were able to find a trade partner in the Ottawa Senators, who would send forward Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker to the Sabres for Cozens, Dennis Gilbert, and a 2026 second-round pick.
Cozens had a promising season in 2022-23 with the Sabres when he had 68 points, but saw his production tail off to only 47 points during the 2023-24 season and 31 points through 61 games this past season. However, it was clear he needed a change of scenery because with the Senators, he finished the season strong with 16 points in 21 games.
At the time of the trade, it felt like the Sabres didn't get enough but they probably weren't going to get fair value with the rest of the league knowing they had to do something with the center.
The Sabres seemingly hurt their chances even more of getting any kind of return when Jacob Bernard-Docker would leave in free agency and sign with the Detroit Red Wings after the Sabres did not give him an offer sheet. By not doing that, Bernard-Docker was an unrestricted free agent and able to sign with any team.
Pressure is on Josh Norris to save the Dylan Cozens trade for the Buffalo Sabres
If the Buffalo Sabres hope for this trade to avoid being looked at as one of the worst in franchise history, they will need Josh Norris to produce, but more importantly, stay healthy. He has never had a season where he played more than 66 games, but that season, he showed exactly what he can do when he is on the ice with 35 goals and 20 assists.
Last season, Norris only played in three games with the Sabres due to an oblique injury, and injuries have been a constant theme for Norris during his time in the NHL, particularly with his shoulder.
The talent is there and if Norris can stay healthy, he will be a difference maker for the Buffalo Sabres. A productive season from the former first-round pick will quickly change the narrative around the Dylan Cozens trade and the Sabres definitely need that.