Jan 16, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Josh Norris (9) skates in the third period against the Washington Capitals at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

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Buffalo Sabres Acquire Josh Norris & Jacob Bernard-Docker in Trade with Ottawa Senators

Buffalo strengthens its roster by adding center Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker in a trade with Ottawa.

The NHL trade deadline has brought a blockbuster move, as the Ottawa Senators have sent Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker to the Buffalo Sabres. In return, the Senators receive Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert, and a 2026 second-round pick.

This deal is a major gamble for Buffalo, especially with Norris, whose immense talent has often been overshadowed by injuries. The 19th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft has tallied 90 goals and 156 points in 236 career games. However, multiple shoulder injuries have limited his playing time since signing an eight-year, $63.6 million contract with Ottawa in 2022.

TRADE ALERT: The #Sens have acquired F Dylan Cozens, D Dennis Gilbert, and a 2026 2nd round pick from @BuffaloSabres in exchange for F Josh Norris and D Jacob Bernard-Docker.

Les #Sens ont acquis l’attaquant Dylan Cozens, le défenseur Dennis Gilbert et un choix de deuxième ronde… pic.twitter.com/Q46BP2zDk3
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 7, 2025

Despite his injury history, Norris has had a solid 2023-24 season, scoring 20 goals and 13 assists in 53 games while playing a more physical style, leading all Senators forwards in hits. If he stays healthy, Buffalo is adding a strong two-way center who can handle defensive responsibilities without sacrificing much offensive firepower.

Dylan Cozens, heading to Ottawa, finds himself in a different situation. After breaking out in the 2022-23 season with 31 goals and 68 points, he signed a seven-year, $49.7 million deal with the Sabres. However, his production has dipped, with just 29 goals in 140 games since the extension. While he remains a solid second-line center, his defensive struggles and inconsistency have made him a trade candidate.

Also Read: Edmonton Oilers Acquire Jake Walman from Sharks in Blockbuster Trade

On the defensive side of this deal, Bernard-Docker, once a promising first-round pick, has yet to find his footing in the NHL, recording just 20 points in 129 games. Meanwhile, Dennis Gilbert, a journeyman defenseman, has provided depth at the NHL level but hasn’t made a major impact.

For Buffalo, this trade signals a push to get tougher down the middle. Ottawa, on the other hand, gains a younger, more reliable option in Cozens while also freeing up some future cap flexibility. Only time will tell which team wins this deal, but it’s certainly one of the most intriguing trades of the deadline.

Image Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Buffalo Sabres

Dennis Gilbert

Dylan Cozens

Jacob Bernard-Docker

Josh Norris

NHL

ottawa Senators

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

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