Dylan Cozens made an instant impact for the Senators after the Sabres traded him just about a month ago. Cozens has done alright in his 17 games with the Senators, tallying 10 total points. People were quick to jump on the idea that the Sabres made another bad trade, and another player wanted out, etc.
It also didn’t help that the Sabres acquired Josh Norris in that deal as their big return. Norris only played three games for the Sabres before being shut down for the rest of the season. Having a player who can go out there every game and play is much better than an injured player. But as of late, is Cozens helping the Sens, or is he making them worse?
Looking at the advanced stats, Cozens practically ranks at the bottom of all of the statistical categories for Senators forwards. In the expected goals forward, Cozens is at 41% which puts him 11/12, and for goals against over 60 minutes, he has a 3.35 rating which is 12/12.
This doesn’t come as a surprise defensively as he was a major liability on defense for the Sabres this season. Even with a playoff team in the Sens, his plus-minus is still -2. I had said in previous articles that Cozens is a lazy player, and it showed this season in Buffalo.
His carelessness causes unneeded errors and puts the team in difficult situations. Look at the last time the Sens and Sabres played for example, Cozens as a member of the Sens made a horrible backpass sending Peyton Krebs in on a breakaway. Which resulted in a goal for the Sabres, just like old times for Cozens as he helped his former team.
Cozens also ranks 11/12 in scoring chances for, and high-danger chances. This means not only is Cozens not generating offense, but he also is giving up good scoring chances for his opponents.
Time will tell how this trade turns out, as both teams have these players on long-term deals. Although I think Norris is getting traded in the offseason, we shouldn’t jump the gun on who won the trade just a few games in.
Looking at all the stats gives you a better perspective of how this deal will turn out in the future. As for now, let's see what Cozens does for the Senators during the playoffs, and in the future.