The Buffalo Sabres have made a significant trade by acquiring Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker from the Ottawa Senators, sending Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert, and a second-round pick in 2026 to Ottawa. This move is set to revamp the Sabres' roster, with Norris expected to play a pivotal role in the top six. Norris will don No. 13, previously worn by Lukas Rousek, while Bernard-Docker will take on No. 24, the same number Cozens had before his trade. Both players are anticipated to bring fresh energy and skill to the Sabres as they aim to improve their playoff chances.

The Ottawa Senators have made a significant move ahead of the NHL trade deadline, acquiring center Dylan Cozens and defenseman Dennis Gilbert from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for center Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker. The Senators also received a second-round draft pick for 2026.

Cozens, a seventh overall pick in 2019, has shown promise this season with 11 goals and 20 assists in 61 games, enhancing Ottawa's lineup alongside captain Brady Tkachuk. Gilbert has added depth to the defense, although his contributions have been modest this season with five assists in 25 games.

On the other hand, Norris has had a challenging season with 20 goals and 13 assists across 53 games, struggling to maintain health since his 35-goal breakout in 2021-22. Bernard-Docker, a first-round pick in 2018, has not significantly impacted the Senators' scoring, making this trade a potential win for Ottawa as they bolster their chances in the playoff race, currently sitting in a wild-card position in the Eastern Conference.

In a significant pre-deadline move, the Buffalo Sabres traded Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert, and a 2026 second-round draft pick to the Ottawa Senators for Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker. Cozens, just 23, has shown flashes of brilliance with a previous 31-goal season but struggled with consistency and defensive issues, tallying just 31 points in 61 games this season. His move could ignite a fresh start in Ottawa's young core.

Norris, at 25, brings a promising two-way game and playmaking ability to the Sabres while being a considerable upgrade, with 20 goals and 33 points in 53 games this season. However, concerns linger regarding his health due to previous shoulder surgeries and a recent injury. Bernard-Docker adds depth to Buffalo's defense. Additionally, the Sabres secured veteran Jason Zucker with a two-year extension, showcasing their commitment to improving the roster.

The Ottawa Senators made a significant move ahead of the NHL trade deadline, acquiring center Dylan Cozens and defenseman Dennis Gilbert from the Buffalo Sabres. In exchange, the Senators sent center Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker to Buffalo, along with a 2026 second-round draft pick. Cozens, the seventh overall pick in 2019, has been a standout this season with 11 goals and 20 assists. His size, standing at 6'3" and weighing 207 pounds, complements Ottawa's roster, particularly alongside captain Brady Tkachuk. Meanwhile, Norris, who has struggled with injuries, has 20 goals this season and carries a hefty contract. Bernard-Docker, a first-round draft pick in 2018, has underperformed this season but is still seen as a valuable asset.

This trade reflects Ottawa's push for a playoff position as they hold onto the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Senators currently have 67 points, tied with the New York Rangers, while the Sabres languish at the bottom of the standings. This trade may help Ottawa solidify its roster as it heads toward the playoffs, while Buffalo continues its rebuild.

In a significant trade, the Ottawa Senators acquired Dylan Cozens and Dennis Gilbert from the Buffalo Sabres, sending Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker back in the deal. Cozens, who is under a seven-year contract worth $49.7 million, has been a consistent performer, tallying 31 points this season. Gilbert, a defenseman, has played sparingly this season but is set to become a free agent.

On the flip side, Norris, in the third year of his eight-year deal, has shown offensive prowess with 33 points this season. Bernard-Docker, while still developing, brings youthful promise as he heads into restricted free agency. This trade signals a strategic shift for both teams as Ottawa looks to solidify its playoff position, currently holding a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, while Buffalo seeks to rebuild.