Cozens is in the second year of a seven-year, $49.7 million contract and has posted 10 goals and 16 assists in 53 games this season. His production has dipped since his breakout 2022-23 campaign when he recorded 31 goals and 68 points, but he remains a highly regarded center with a manageable $7.1 million yearly cap hit through 2030.

The Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly have interest in a new trade target ahead of the March 7 deadline. According to reports from NHL insider Kevin Weekes, the Leafs are among multiple teams expressing interest in acquiring Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens,

Kent Hughes is known for being active and making calls to his NHL counterparts, looking to gauge the market on who is available and what the trade values of players can be.