A real shock wave shook the 98.5 Sports studio when Dany Dubé spoke, with host Mario Langlois, of an exchange between the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres: Kirby Dach against Dylan Cozens.
Two similar players on paper, two young right-handed centers of 23 years old with imposing sizes and a most disappointing career path.
The idea may seem far-fetched, but it raises legitimate questions. Both the Canadiens and Sabers have obvious deficiencies at the second center position and players who, for various reasons, struggle to live up to expectations.
A daring, but realistic proposition…
Dany Dubé, true to his analytical style, took care to explain why this idea makes sense:
“Both players are 23 years old. They’re two right-handed centers, two big guys and two first-round picks in 2019. One is more expensive than the other, but Cozens’ best season is 31 goals. »
Cozens played 311 games compared to Dach’s 242 games, a difference mainly due to injuries that slowed the Canadiens player’s progress.
This observation reignites the debate: has the Canadian lost patience with Kirby Dach?
Can we hope for him to return to form, or is it time to move on?
For Buffalo, the situation is similar. The Sabres, unable to progress despite a rich bank of prospects, could see Dach as a potential renewal.
On the other hand, Cozens has shown signs of regression this season, with only a meager 6 goals and 13 points in 26 games, after a stellar 68-point year.
Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is actively looking for a center with high potential, but losing momentum, in order to find a team that ends up giving up on a talented player who needs a change of direction. ‘air.
After the mixed acquisitions of Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, who are struggling to relaunch their careers in Montreal, Hughes must strike a big blow.
Dylan Cozens could be that opportunity, a player with real potential who, under the right structure, could regain his level.
The recent examples of Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett in Florida demonstrate how much a change of scenery can transform a talented player.
“I think these are two players who need a change of scenery”affirmed Dubé, insisting on the fact that a transaction like this could revive two organizations which are in decline.
The Sabers are at a dangerous crossroads. After 13 consecutive exclusions from the series, the pressure is immense on Kevyn Adams, who could be tempted to make radical changes to save his skin.
Buffalo already gave up a young top-10 pick, Matthew Savoie, last summer in a desperate attempt to accelerate their progression.
Cozens is a symbol of the Sabres’ instability. Moved to the wing this season, he seems to have lost confidence, and his role within the team is increasingly unclear.
If Adams were to doubt him, Kirby Dach could represent an attractive alternative, a center with similar potential and a much more affordable contract.
The hypothesis mentioned by Dubé is based on a disturbing truth for the Canadian: Kirby Dach is a bet that has not yet paid off.
Since his acquisition, injuries and horrible performances have kept him on the sidelines and prevented him from establishing himself as the much-desired second center.
But Hughes firmly believed in his potential, and the Canadiens GM is not the type to give up on his players easily.
The fact remains that Cozens, despite a difficult season, remains a player with elite potential. His size, his powerful shot and his ability to score goals make him an ideal candidate to solidify the Canadian’s top-6.
However, his contract is heavy: $7.1 million for seven seasons. Compared to Dach, signed at a paltry $3.36 million per year, the trade would carry considerable financial risk.
If Buffalo decides to seriously consider a trade involving Cozens, rumors indicate that they would demand a big return, notably Juraj Slafkovský.
At this point, this request seems unrealistic for the Canadian. They can forget about it now.
Slafkovský, although inconsistent this season, represents the cornerstone of the future for Montreal. With his $7.6 million contract starting next year, concerns are present, but sacrificing a first overall pick remains inconceivable for Hughes.
Dany Dubé’s hypothetical proposal created a shock wave for a simple reason: it highlights the failures and uncertainties of the two organizations.
Montreal thought it had found a gem with Kirby Dach; Buffalo thought they had their second center in Dylan Cozens.
Today, both players are struggling to establish themselves, and an exchange could offer a second wind.
For Kent Hughes, the challenge is clear: to atone for his mistakes and prove that he has a flair for unearthing poorly exploited talent.
Cozens represents an opportunity, but the price to pay – whether it’s Dach or another key player – remains a tricky question.
The pressure is mounting, and the decisions to come could redefine the future of the Montreal Canadiens.
The idea launched by Dany Dubé of exchanging Kirby Dach for Dylan Cozens continued to provoke reactions, notably in the 98.5 Sports studios, where Antoine Roussel did not fail to comment on this proposal which ignited discussions.
“One for one?” Tomorrow morning. Send the private jet! »said Roussel in an amused tone, while dreaming of the obvious added value that Cozens would bring to the Canadiens’ lineup.
But, more seriously, Roussel tempers the ardor by reminding that the Buffalo Sabers are probably not ready to accept such an offer.
“Honestly, I doubt Buffalo will take the bait. Yes, Cozens is having a rough season, but he’s a player who has proven he can score 31 goals in this league. This kind of talent is not easily traded. »
Antoine Roussel took the opportunity to remind us that patience remains a key element in the development of young players, particularly for those who have suffered injuries or who have difficulty establishing themselves.
Kirby Dach, despite his struggles, still represents a player with immense potential.
“Dach is only 23, just like Cozens. It’s not because a player is having a more difficult season that he should be sacrificed on a whim. This would be exactly the kind of decision a team regrets in two or three years. »
Roussel also draws parallels with other Canadiens players, notably Cayden Primeau, who is also going through a horrible period.
Although some fans and analysts are losing patience with the young goaltender, Roussel believes it is important not to throw in the towel.
“Primeau is in a difficult position. He has not yet had the opportunity to prove what he can do over a long period of time in the NHL.
As with Dach, you sometimes have to agree to go through moments of uncertainty to allow these young players to develop. »
Hmm. For Dach, ultimately, we can understand. But for Primeau, it is clear that he will no longer be in Montreal next season.
At some point, you have to turn the page. Primeau is the worst goalie in the entire NHL right now. With Jakub Dobes wanting his chance and Jacob Fowler arriving in North America next season, it’s clear that it’s “bye bye Primeau”.
As for the Dach-Cozens transaction, the conclusion seems obvious: the Buffalo Sabers will not accept such an offer without demanding more.
Cozens, despite a difficult season, remains a player with a solid production history and higher potential than the lackadaisical Dach.
“Cozens has 311 games played, Dach has 242 games. The difference between the two: one had injuries. Maybe in a year and a half we’ll say: ‘Oh tabarnouche!, Dach was quite a player, we did well to keep him.’ concludes Dany Dubé.
Hmm…nothing is less certain…
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