The Red Wings and Sabres nearly made a major trade involving Dylan Cozens before the NHL's annual holiday break.

That's not nothing, but it's not what caught the Red Wings attention. Instead, Cozens' 31-goal, 37-assist 2022–23 campaign suggests a young player worth bringing in, even after just 47 points a year ago.

The Buffalo Sabres hit rock bottom as they lost 13 straight games earlier this season. During that time, reports emerged that the team had an interest in shaking up its roster. Despite having talented players such as Rasmus Dahlin,