Cozens Snubbed! Insider Reveals Shocking Reason Maple Leafs Aren’t Pursuing Star Forward
Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli recently offered insight into why the Toronto Maple Leafs are not involved in trade talks for Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens. Despite his potential as a young, talented center with several teams looking at a possible deal to acquire him, the Leafs are not among them.
There may be an interesting Cozens’ trade market developing, but Seravalli explained that the Maple Leafs’ tight financial situation, combined with the uncertainty of his production is the biggest reason GM Brad Treliving hasn’t taken a look. Cozens carries a $7.1 million cap hit, which means Toronto would need to offload a significant contract to make room. Seravalli called it a risky move given the uncertainty surrounding Cozens’ performance.
“You can’t get a $7.1 million guy ahead of the deadline without sacrificing something significant,” Seravalli noted. He added, “You couldn’t stand the risk if you’re Toronto of what happens if he is just a 20-goal, 45-point player.”
Other Teams That Can Take Risks the Maple Leafs Can’t
Because the Maple Leafs can’t afford to swing and miss on a trade, Cozens isn’t for them. Other teams, like Calgary, Detroit, and Nashville are exploring the possibility because they are in slightly different situations.
The Maple Leafs have to focus on more cost-effective solutions that don’t hurt their salary cap situation or risk depleting their roster. The risk of Cozens failing to rediscover his form from two years ago makes him a gamble the organization simply can’t take, not unless the Sabres were willing to get fleeced in the trade, which they’ll do their best to avoid.
Cozens is more of a reclamation project than Toronto wants to take on. He’s got significant upside and one GM could look like a genius if the right deal is made. Toronto has to be more calculated.
