The New York Rangers have long been a franchise defined by leadership, from the days of Mark Messier’s legendary guarantee to Ryan Callahan’s heart-and-soul captaincy. As the team continues its quest to build a perennial contender, the search for the next long-term captain remains a pivotal storyline. While the current roster boasts strong voices like Jacob Trouba and Mika Zibanejad, the Rangers may need to look outside the organization to find a true heir to the “C.” One intriguing possibility lies in a proposed trade with an Eastern Conference rival—a move that could bring in a player with the character, skill, and presence to wear the captain’s letter for years to come.
The Rangers’ current core is built around a mix of veteran experience and youthful exuberance. Trouba, the team’s current captain, has been a steadying force on the blue line, but his long-term future with the team is uncertain given his contract and the emergence of younger defensemen like K’Andre Miller and Braden Schneider. Meanwhile, Zibanejad and Chris Kreider have been instrumental in the locker room, but neither has been officially handed the captaincy full-time. If the Rangers want to solidify their leadership group for the next decade, they may need to make a bold move—and one potential target could be Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens.
Cozens, the seventh overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, has quickly developed into one of the Sabres’ most important players. At just 23 years old, he already carries himself with the maturity of a seasoned veteran, combining offensive skill with a relentless work ethic. Standing at 6’3″ and possessing a well-rounded game, Cozens has the tools to be a franchise center—a commodity the Rangers have lacked since the prime years of Derek Stepan. But why would Buffalo consider moving a player of his caliber? The answer lies in the Sabres’ unique roster construction and the Rangers’ ability to offer a compelling package.
Buffalo is in an interesting phase of its rebuild. While they boast an impressive young core featuring Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Owen Power, they still have gaps to fill, particularly on defense and in goal. The Rangers, meanwhile, have a surplus of young defensemen and could dangle a player like Miller or Schneider as part of a deal. Additionally, the Rangers hold multiple first-round picks in upcoming drafts, giving them the flexibility to sweeten an offer. A hypothetical trade could center around Cozens for Miller, a first-round pick, and a mid-tier prospect. For Buffalo, this would address a key need on defense while adding future assets. For New York, it would secure a potential cornerstone center who could grow alongside Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko.
Beyond his on-ice contributions, Cozens has the intangibles that make him captain material. He plays with an edge, isn’t afraid to engage physically, and has shown leadership at every level, including captaining Canada’s World Junior team in 2021. His personality aligns with the type of player the Rangers have historically valued—hardworking, humble, and team-first. In a market like New York, where pressure is relentless, Cozens’ demeanor would allow him to thrive.
Of course, any trade of this magnitude carries risk. Miller has developed into a top-four defenseman with untapped potential, and giving up a first-round pick is always a gamble. However, the Rangers’ window to win is now, with Artemi Panarin and Igor Shesterkin in their primes. Adding a player like Cozens would not only address the leadership question but also provide the team with a long-term solution down the middle. Zibanejad, while still elite, is entering his 30s, and the Rangers lack a true successor at center. Cozens could be that player.
The financial aspect also works in New York’s favor. Cozens is signed to a reasonable seven-year, $49.7 million contract, carrying a $7.1 million annual cap hit—a manageable number for a potential first-line center. With the salary cap expected to rise in coming years, the Rangers could comfortably build around him without sacrificing other key pieces.
For Buffalo, the decision would come down to prioritizing immediate needs versus long-term potential. While Cozens is a valuable piece, the Sabres have depth at center with Thompson and Casey Mittelstadt. Acquiring a young, cost-controlled defenseman like Miller would bolster their blue line, and an extra first-round pick could be used to address other areas. It’s the type of hockey trade that benefits both sides—a rarity in today’s NHL.
From the Rangers’ perspective, this move would signal a commitment to sustaining success beyond the current core. While they’ve made deep playoff runs in recent years, the lack of a definitive captain since Trouba’s arrival has been a lingering question. Cozens would not only fill a positional need but also bring the leadership qualities necessary to wear the “C” in one of the league’s most demanding markets.
Ultimately, trades of this magnitude are rare, and the Sabres would likely demand a hefty return. But if the Rangers are serious about securing their next captain while maintaining their competitive window, a bold move for Dylan Cozens could be the answer. It’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario—but in the NHL, fortune often favors the bold. The Rangers have a chance to land a franchise-altering player. The question is: will they pull the trigger?
