Divisional Rivals Closing in on Maple Leafs Trade Target in Major Deal

Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs are enjoying a very successful 2024-25 season. Backed by reliable goaltending, new and improved defense, and everyone doing their part, it looks like the team has a very good chance at a strong playoff push.

They have been linked to several names as Treliving and company want to add some third-line depth to their roster, and several names have popped up recently. One name that hasn't had a lot of exposure is Buffalo's Dylan Cozens, at least compared to names like Brock Nelson and Mika Zibanejad.

But reports have surfaced that one of Toronto's oldest rivals has become a big player for the Sabres' forward.

It's no surprise that since the Red Wings have switched coaches, they've switched gears. Since losing to the Maple Leafs, they've won five straight and have found themselves only five points out of third place in the Atlantic.

So their aggressiveness in wanting to add Cozens is also no surprise. Although Buffalo isn't too far off a spot either, they are more than likely going to miss again and need to figure out how to maximize an asset return.

This season Cozens has nine goals and 12 assists but is only two seasons removed from a 31-goal outburst and looking like Buffalo's next big star. The former seventh overall pick is in limbo with the Sabres and Detroit offers him a great place out.

However Cozens would give Detroit additional firepower that Toronto can take advantage of.

Normally trades within divisions are fairly rare, especially with rivals but it might be easier said than done.

Detroit does have more cap space than Toronto and do own a 2025 first-round pick among several others not only in 2025, but further down the line.

If Treliving wanted to add Cozens' $7.1M contract, not only will he need salary retention, but need to sweeten the pot for the 23-year old.

It may seem like a longshot that either Detroit or Toronto acquire Cozens, but given that the playoff race is so tight, whoever makes the first move might be the winner in the end.