Maple Leafs Officially Linked to Former 1st Round Pick Dylan Cozens in New Report

As the NHL's trade deadline approaches on March 7th, the Toronto Maple Leafs are in undeniable need of additional center depth. As it turns out, one potential target is a young center from an Atlantic Division rival who may be available for trade, as per NHL Insider Kevin Weekes on X:

There's no dount that Dylan Cozens fits the criteria of what the Leafs are looking for in a middle six center, and he is also under contract beyond this season.

The 23-year-old is currently having a down year with 26 points in 53 games, but he's only two years removed from a breakout season in which he scored 31 goals and tallied 68 points.

One concern regarding Cozens is his high salary cap hit. Herecently signed a seven-year, $49.7 million contract, carrying a cap hit of $7.1 million per season. For the trade to work, the Maple Leafs would likely need some salary retention from the Sabres and/or a 3rd team or to move out some salary themselves to be able to accommodate his full cap hit.

Unfortunately for the Leafs, acquiring Cozens would almost certainly require them to part ways with one of their blue chip prospects, either Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten.

Additionally, the trade would almost certainly involve at least a first-round pick, along with one of those prospects, to make it work.

If Cozens is indeed available, and if the Leafs truly are interested, he could and should rocket ahead of another potential center acquisition in Brock Nelson, given the fact that Cozens is both younger and carries term on his contract. Anytime you're dealing premium assets for a player, these things matter.