With the 7th pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Jason Botterill and the Buffalo Sabres selected center, Dylan Cozens. Coming from the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL, this was a bit of a surprise pick knowing that he is the first Canadian-born player as well as the first junior league player that Botterill has drafted since becoming the Buffalo Sabres’ General Manager.
We’re just as pumped as you, @Dylan_Cozens! 👊#Sabres50 pic.twitter.com/xUd9XpwAIN
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 22, 2019
Last season, Cozens recorded 34 goals and 84 points in just 68 games. He also notched 4 goals and 8 points in 7 playoff games. At 6’3” and 183 pounds, Cozens possesses NHL size already at just 18 years old.
Dylan Cozens is even more so an interesting pick because he could challenge for a roster spot with the Buffalo Sabres this year. With Jack Eichel anchoring the top line at center, Cozens could fill in at the 2nd or 3rd line depending on Casey Mittelstadt’s development as well as the rest of the offseason.
Described as a complete two-way center with great skating abilities, Buffalo now has a replacement for Ryan O’Reilly down the middle. Although he may take a few years to develop before he really dominates the game, Cozens could be an exceptional 1B center for the Sabres for a long time.
Fortunately for Sabres’ fans, we won’t have to wait too long to see Cozens sporting a Sabres jersey as their annual development camp starts up at the Harbor Center starting Wednesday, June 26th. For now, “roll the highlight film”!
https://youtu.be/0HkcX4Sf_aU