Looks like the Ottawa Senators got their man at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. Also, the Buffalo Sabres are certainly taking care of business to try to rework the makeup of their lineup. The trade shakes down as the Sens receive Dylan Cozens, Dennis GIlbert and a 2026 second-round pick and going to Buffalo are Joshua Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker. This is a major trade and more of a shakeup than an upgrade for either side.
TRADE ALERT: The #Sens have acquired F Dylan Cozens, D Dennis Gilbert, and a 2026 2nd round pick from @BuffaloSabres in exchange for F Josh Norris and D Jacob Bernard-Docker.
Les #Sens ont acquis l’attaquant Dylan Cozens, le défenseur Dennis Gilbert et un choix de deuxième ronde… pic.twitter.com/Q46BP2zDk3
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 7, 2025
Buffalo Sabres Make Dylan Cozens Trade
Dylan Cozens has only played for the Sabres over his five-year NHL career. The 24-year-old has 11 goals and 20 assists and 31 points in 61 games so far this season. He has a Corsi for of 54.9% and relative Corsi of 6.1.
The Whitehorse, Yukon native has 77 goals for 197 points in 341 career games. Buffalo originally drafted him in the first round, seventh overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
Cozens has represented his native Canada at the international level. He was part of the Team Canada squad that won a gold medal at the 2020 IIHF World Juniors. He also got a silver in the 2021 tournament. Cozens also got a silver at the senior level in the 2022 IIHF World Championships.
Trade Signals Something Bigger in Ottawa
Cozens was one of the bigger prizes and the youngster has a new home. The player is called the “Workhorse from Whitehorse” for a number of reasons. He hasn’t been able to replicate the production from his 31-goal campaign last season. However, he still has plenty of promise and teams lined up to get him.
The youngster has been willing to get his hands dirty on the defensive end. He’s also been willing to drop the gloves when needed to. Cozen’s name has been in the news for weeks about a possible trade, and the Senators were able to put together a deal to get it done.
For Buffalo, it’s the case that another young player is being sent out the door for assets. However, this time it is pretty equal return.
From the Dylan Cozens Trade, What is Buffalo Getting
Josh Norris has had a very rocky time in Ottawa. He has constantly been the target of trade rumours. Moreover, on trade deadline day in 2025, Sens general manager Steven Staios finally found a deal that worked. Norris is having a decent season, hitting the 20-goal mark for the only second time of his career. The first was his career high of 35 in 2021-22. In all, he has 33 points in 53 games played this season.
Throughout his time in Ottawa, in parts of six seasons, he suited up for 236 games. Injuries, specifically to his shoulder have always slowed him down. However, maybe the change of scenery can spell a change of luck. That’s what general manager Kevyn Adams is banking on. Norris is a speedy, offensively-minded centre, who can play different roles. It’s more of a comfort thing with him and finding where he can best fit.
It a bit of unfortunate news for longtime Ottawa Senators fans, as today they moved on from a defenceman. Jacob Bernard-Docker, who had recently been out with an ankle injury, has been involved in a trade.
You may recall that Jacob Bernard-Docker is a former Alumni of the University of North Dakota. This has long been a breeding ground for the Sens. Players like Shane Pinto and Tyler Kleven, along with JBD, were all teammates at UND once upon a time. It was hoped this year that Kleven and Bernard-Docker would renew that chemistry, and form a strong third pairing on the Sens blueline this year. However, with injuries, including the one to Bernard-Docker, combined with a hard-to-move contract in Travis Hamonic, the Sens had few options.
Just What is Buffalo Getting with JBD
For Bernard-Docker, he was a first-round draft pick for the Sens back in 2018. He is former member of the Team Canada World Junior Team, and carried high expectations. Conversely, he was never really able to catch on in Ottawa, often in favour of more experience.
In parts of five NHL seasons, he is still only up to 129 career games. Moreover, he has done well overall, skating over 15 minutes a game, and netting 20 career points. He’s a good skater, good breakout passer. Hopefully this new opportunity for him will really tap into his strength and abilities.
Overall, it seems to be a trade that works for both sides. Norris was long the source of rumours in Ottawa and now he gets a clean slate. Also, Cozens brings the type of intensity and skill that is prevalent in Ottawa already. He’s sure to be a hit among guys like Brady Tkachuk and has the hands to keep up with Tim Stützle’s creativity. Well done Staios and Adams.
Main photo by: Timothy T. Ludwig – Imagn Images
