Dylan Cozens has signed an extension with the Buffalo Sabres for seven years, worth an AAV value of $7.1 M. Cozens has done a great job this season elevating his play to earn the big contract. This means he will play together in the organization long term with superstar Tage Thompson. Thompson signed a seven-year deal himself in August.
Dylan Cozens Signs Seven-Year Extension with Buffalo
Cozens, the Workhorse from Whitehorse, in this his third NHL season, is in the midst of a career season. So far he has totalled 17 goals, and 26 assists, for 43 points in 49 games. In addition, he is at 16:36 TOI, up from last year’s career-best of 15:54 TOI. Last season was his first full NHL season, appearing in 79 contests, he recorded 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points. This season has seen Cozens establish himself as a steady top-six guy. He also has a CF% rel of 2.4, very respectable for a young player in the league.
DYLAN COZENS IS STAYING IN BUFFALO. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/JGFcrTMtDG
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) February 7, 2023
What this Means for the Sabres
The young Sabres key players have arrived, and Cozens making the leap is a big part of why. Cozens establishing himself as a strong performer is making the forward group seem much deeper. Even on the back end, Rasmus Dahlin is having a big season for the Sabres. The 2018 first-overall pick, Dahlin has an amazing 55 points in just 49 games and was more than deserving of his all-star nod. He was selected as a replacement for his injured teammate, Tage Thompson. Even of late, the Sabres have had their goaltender breakout. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen earned rookie of the month honours in January with an impressive six victories. The Sabres are rounding into form. They currently find themselves only one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Thanks to their young core, such as Cozens, the Sabres are now a force to be reckoned with in the Atlantic division.
Photo credits: © Jeff Curry | USA – Today
