Calgary Flames are reportedly interested in Sabres forward Dylan Cozens, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun

Multiple sources have reported that the Calgary Flames are interested in acquiring Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens. TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported Tuesday that the Flames organization have been "enamoured" by Cozens all season and would like to add him for more depth in their top six forward group. 

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The Flames recently added two key forwards from the Philadelphia Flyers in Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee but don't appear to be done making moves yet. Despite the reported interest in Cozens, Sabres Insider for the Hockey News, Michael Augello, doesn't see a fit in terms of a deal that would satisfy both teams. 

"I looked at the Calgary roster and I do not see a fit to make a deal. The Sabres are looking to make a hockey deal and for players that they can retain for a number of years and don't want prospects not in the NHL," Augello said "If they trade Cozens, they will be looking for comparably aged players, so someone in their early 20's."

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Some names that Augello went on to reference as possible options was 22-year-old forward Matt Coronato, who is having a great season with 29 points in 48 games and scored against the Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Other options Augello mentioned would be if Buffalo chose to go the veteran route and grab a player to help coach up some of the Sabres young talent like adding Jonathan Huberdeau or Nazem Kadri. 

It doesn't seem likely the Flames would trade their two leading point producers as they are in a race for the playoffs unless Augello noted it would be in a three-team deal of sorts. Calgary is still interested however and likely has a plan to present Buffalo with an offer that works into what they are looking for. 

The Flames would love to make another move as they are currently +200 to make the playoffs this season and are tied with the Vancouver Canucks for the second wild card spot with 59 points a piece. Calgary has a treacherous upcoming schedule with games against the Avalanche, Capitals, Bolts, Panthers and Hurricanes. If they can manage to tread water and remain in a wild card spot then we could look at placing a bet on them making the playoffs. 

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Cozens was never listed as available by the Sabres organization, rather GM Kevyn Adams said that he would field offers for the 2017 seventh overall pick. The Sabres have been linked in trade talks with other teams about a Cozens like the Vancouver Canucks and superstar forward Elias Pettersson before they opted to instead deal J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers. The Detroit Red Wings were also reportedly in on Cozens but haven't seen their trade talks progress for some time. 

The Sabres are currently last place in the East with a record of 22-26-5 but they are only 11 points back of the Lightning, who occupy the second wild card spot. Buffalo would need to go on a crazy run to finish off the season but they did do it last season and if you want to find value in the team there's no better time than right now. They are +4000 to make the playoffs and have an over/under set at 77.5 points this season, which may be challenging as they have the seventh-hardest remaining strength of schedule. 

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Cozens, 23, has been with the Sabres for five seasons and has seen career highs like his 68 point campaign in the 2022-23 season. Since then, he's struggled to hit the 60-point mark again and has fallen more into the range of a mostly 40-point producer, which he is projected to finish with again this season. 

The Whitehorse, Yukon native has shown his elite upside when representing his country including his stellar run with Team Canada at last year's World Championships, where he recorded nine goals and two assists for 11 points in ten games. 

A trade package for the youngster would have to wow the Sabres but bringing Cozens closer to home with Alberta being very close to Yukon as well as playing for a playoff contender is something I'm sure he would be open to.