Dylan Cozens: The Next Superstar in the NHL
Dylan Cozens is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who currently plays as a center for the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League (NHL). Cozens was selected seventh overall by the Sabres in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He is considered one of the most promising young players in the NHL, and is expected to have a breakout season in 2023-24.
Early Life and Career
Dylan Cozens was born in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada on February 8, 2001. He began playing hockey at a young age, and quickly showed a natural talent for the game. Cozens played his minor hockey with the Whitehorse Mustangs of the Yukon Hockey Association (YHA). In 2016-17, he joined the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Cozens had a breakout season with the Hurricanes in 2018-19, scoring 38 goals and 80 points in 68 games. He was named to the WHL East First All-Star Team and was awarded the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL's Rookie of the Year.
International Career
Cozens has represented Canada at several international tournaments. He won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Cozens also represented Canada at the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where he helped Canada win a silver medal.
NHL Career
Cozens made his NHL debut with the Sabres on October 2, 2019. He scored his first NHL goal on October 19, 2019, against the New York Rangers. Cozens has quickly become a key player for the Sabres, and is expected to have a breakout season in 2023-24.
Playing Style
Cozens is a skilled offensive player with a great shot and playmaking ability. He is also a good skater and has a high hockey IQ. Cozens is a versatile player who can play center or wing.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | Lethbridge Hurricanes | WHL | 6 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| 2017-18 | Lethbridge Hurricanes | WHL | 65 | 25 | 34 | 59 |
| 2018-19 | Lethbridge Hurricanes | WHL | 68 | 38 | 42 | 80 |
| 2019-20 | Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 71 | 8 | 11 | 19 |
| 2020-21 | Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 41 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
| 2021-22 | Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 79 | 13 | 18 | 31 |
| 2022-23 | Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 64 | 16 | 18 | 34 |
Future Outlook
Cozens is still just 22 years old, and has the potential to become one of the best players in the NHL. He is a skilled offensive player with a bright future ahead of him. The Sabres are counting on Cozens to be a key part of their rebuild, and he is expected to have a breakout season in 2023-24.
