Ottawa Senators successfully traded for Dylan Cozens

At the trade deadline, the Ottawa Senators acquired Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres, giving up Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker. Cozens has since contributed to the Senators' success. Montreal Canadiens fans hoped to acquire Cozens, especially after Kirby Dach's injury. Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes inquired but refused to trade Cole Caufield or Juraj Slafkovsky, as the Sabres demanded one of them in return. The Sabres sought established players rather than picks or prospects, maintaining a high asking price despite Cozens' struggles. This situation indicates that acquiring a second-line center will require significant sacrifices from the Canadiens in the future.