SENS, SABRES SWAP CENTERS

The Ottawa Senators acquired center Dylan Cozens, defenseman Dennis Gilbert and a second-round draft pick in 2026 from the Buffalo Sabres for center Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker.

What does it give the Ottawa Senators
This is a very interesting trade because it involves relatively young NHLers being traded inside the Atlantic division. In Cozens, the Senators get a bigger and more all-around center than Norris. He is probably a better fit for a Travis Green-led squad. Cozens has underachieved this season but still has untapped potential. Gilbert is a depth defenseman that should be able to replace Bernard-Docker on the depth chart.

What does it give the Buffalo Sabres
For the Sabres, Norris is a huge risk because of his past shoulder issues. When healthy, he is a much better goal-scoring center than Cozens. Norris is slightly more expensive and has more term left on his contract than Cozens, and he is a year older than Cozens. As for Bernard-Docker, he should be able to play regularly on a Buffalo team that has been looking for capable right-shooting defensemen for some time now.

Fantasy impact
Both Cozens and Norris could benefit from the change of scenery, but their fantasy values may remain largely the same. The biggest winner in this deal may be Bernard-Docker, although his fantasy upside is somewhat limited. Gilbert has no fantasy value.