The Toronto Maple Leafs, a top contender for the Stanley Cup, are looking to strengthen their roster through a proposed trade that could bring a young center to the team. The trade was suggested using the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, allowing users to create their own hypothetical trades.
In this proposed deal, the Maple Leafs would acquire Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres:
Maple Leafs receive:
- Dylan Cozens ($1.2 million retained)
Sabres receive:
- David Kampf
- Roni Hirvonen
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2027 first-round pick
This potential blockbuster trade would see Toronto give up a current player, a prospect, and two future first-round picks for Cozens. The deal makes sense for both teams, addressing the needs of each.
Cozens, 23, is in the second year of a seven-year, $49.7 million contract. He could become Toronto’s third-line center and potentially a future replacement for John Tavares if the latter doesn’t re-sign. Cozens has played 34 games this season, recording 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points.
On the other hand, Kampf, who is in the second year of a four-year, $9.6 million contract, is a solid defensive center who would contribute to the Sabres’ penalty killing. Kampf could also serve as trade bait in the future.
Hirvonen, a second-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, is currently playing in the AHL. He’s appeared in 25 games, notching 6 goals and 5 assists for 11 points, and could make his NHL debut with Buffalo as part of their rebuilding process.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs are currently without their star player, Auston Matthews, who remains sidelined due to an injury. Matthews had missed time earlier in the season due to an undisclosed injury and aggravated it on December 20, causing him to miss back-to-back games.
Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube confirmed that Matthews will rest over the holiday break in hopes of returning in better shape. The severity of the injury is unclear, but if Matthews’ absence is prolonged, the Leafs could place him on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) and use the cap space to acquire a player like Cozens.
The Maple Leafs don’t play again until December 27, but Berube is uncertain about Matthews’ timeline for return. Matthews has recorded 11 goals and 12 assists in 24 games this season.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres are struggling with a 13-game losing streak and are expected to extend their playoff drought to 14 years. Despite the challenges, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has stated that he won’t make any major moves at this time. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff emphasized that he and Adams are in constant communication about improving the team.
The Sabres, sitting at 11-19-4 this season, are still trying to find ways to turn their season around.
