When analyzing what constitutes a successful season, there is often an accompanying tendency to focus exclusively on easily trackable statistics like goals or points.

There is an emphasis on offensive statistics, and part of that could be a trickle-down effect that begins with debating the merits of a player's Hall of Fame credentials and carries down through the ranks, eventually resolving whether a player is productive enough for their respective role on their hockey club.

When it comes to the Senators' Dylan Cozens, there may not be another player on the roster whose personal development and growth is as essential to the organization's rise and breakthrough as an Eastern Conference Cup contender. That is not disrespectful to any of the team's young core pieces; it is just that the others have established themselves.

Brady Tkachuk, for example, is one of the preeminent power forwards in the game who can be relied on for his physicality, leadership and 30-plus goals and 70-plus points. Tim Stützle has developed into a well-rounded first-line centre who should play at a point-per-game or higher pace. Jake Sanderson has evolved into one of the most complete defencemen in the NHL and is fully capable of vying for a Norris Trophy.

These players are already among the game's best, so how much more should reasonably be expected from them?

There is still some untapped potential and room for growth for Cozens. The seventh overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft escaped an untenable situation in Buffalo, where the organization has not reached the postseason since 2011.

Croatia's NHL Trailblazer: The Story Of Ottawa Senators Prospect Bruno IdžanResting on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, the Republic of Croatia is a beautiful country renowned for its pebbled beaches, natural scenery and parks. It gained notoriety and traction as a tourist destination in recent years, thanks to the popular Game of Thrones series, which used it as a filming location.

In five professional seasons, Cozens has only broken the 20-goal mark once. It occurred as a 21-year-old during his 2022-23 season when he established career-highs in goals (31) and points (68). The 'Workhorse from Whitehorse' has failed to replicate that production over the past three seasons. Granted, it is unfair to Cozens to hold him to that standard. That career year occurred because the young centre coupled the highest shot rate of his career (9.47 shots/60 in all situations per Natural Stat Trick) with a shooting percentage (14.69) that was five percent higher than his career average. Inevitably, some normalization was going to occur.

The troubling part of Cozens' game has been his defensive game. It has left something to be desired.

From Natural Stat Trick:

• 2020-21: 46.81 CF%, 43.66 SF%, 39.22 GF%, 43.14 xGF%
• 2021-22: 49.56 CF%, 48.09 SF%, 43.18 GF%, 45.94 xGF%
• 2022-23: 48.95 CF%, 47.97 SF%, 48.57 GF%, 50.04 xGF%
• 2023-24: 50.42 CF%, 51.01 SF%, 50.00 GF%, 49.63 xGF%
• 2024-25: 49.27 CF%, 49.05 SF%, 48.60 GF%, 46.14 xGF%

When Cozens has been on the ice, his team has historically been outshot (CF%), with the opposition generating a higher shots on goal (SF%). His teams have also tended to give up a higher percentage of total goals (GF%) and expected goals (xGF%).

In fairness to him, Cozens has played on some terrible teams featuring poor structure and a weak supporting cast.

At the same time, Cozens' isolated defensive impacts have not been particularly strong per HockeyViz.

As a top-10 draft selection, a ton of responsibility was placed on Cozens to help transition the Sabres out of their perpetual rebuild. Systemic losing can drastically erode a player's confidence and suck the life out of a dressing room.

Cozens wore that burden heavily.

"I know I have another level to my game," Cozens relayed on the Coming in Hot Podcast in a June appearance. "These last two years, I have not been happy with it all.

"I think I showed a couple of years ago, you know, what I can be. It's all about getting back to that and then getting better than that. I know I have a lot more to give, and I know that I need to get back to that."

It will be the Senators' responsibility to help Cozens and restore that swagger and confidence. Following the trade deadline, he looked rejuvenated, centring the Senators' second line alongside Drake Batherson. From March 7th on, Batherson led the Senators in scoring with 10 goals and nine points in 21 games. Right behind him was Cozens, who recorded five goals and 16 points in the same number of games.

The pairing enjoyed some productivity, and right away, it was transparent how much better of a stylistic fit Cozens is. Listed at 6'3" and 207 lb, he is bigger than Josh Norris and although he is not as proficient a skater as Norris, Cozens can still move - ranking in the 76th percentile for skaters with 22+ mph bursts, the 84th percentile for 20-22 mph bursts and the 82nd percentile for 18-20 mph bursts according to the NHL EDGE's data.

Norris was renowned for his finishing ability, but his line's possession numbers would often drag because his line frequently relied upon puck recoveries through the dumping and chasing. Cozens has the confidence and willingness to carry the puck from the defensive zone through the neutral zone, creating a different dynamic wherein his line has an easier time establishing puck possession and offensive zone pressure.

Through his first 11 games with the Senators, the returns on the deal were very promising. Cozens tallied three goals and nine points while generating 29 shots on goal.

'Hockey IQ' Is Teachable: Sam Gagner At Ottawa Senators Development CampOne of the more insightful moments from this year's Ottawa Senators development camp occurred when Sam Gagner, the team's new director of player development, discussed hockey IQ.

At five-on-five, Cozens had some of the strongest per-60 rate stats on the team. He was second on the team in points (2.74 Pts/60), shots (8.68 Sh/60), and individual expected goals (0.95 ixG/60). When he was on the ice at five-on-five per Natural Stat Trick, the Senators generated 48.06 percent of the shots (CF%), 50.36 percent of the shots on goal (SF%), 60.00 percent of the total goals (GF%), and 47.10 percent of the expected goals (xGF%).

Then things began to take a turn.

In his last 10 games, the centre contributed two goals, five assists and 20 shots. His individual rate metrics plummeted:

• 0.93 Pts/60
• 6.02 Sh/60
• 0.52 ixG/60

The Senators' five-on-five shot and goal metrics cratered when Cozens was on the ice. They generated just 40.89 percent of the shots (CF%), which was the team's worst mark, 43.80 percent of the shots on goal (SF%), 25.00 percent of the total goals (GF%), and 36.45 percent of the expected goals (xGF%).

The encouraging part is twofold. These are small sample sizes of data to work with and in the postseason, Cozens' underlying metrics improved. In their six game series against the Maple Leafs, the Senators generated 54.14 percent of the shots (CF%), 49.09 percent of the shots on goal (SF%), and 53.36 percent of the expected goals (xGF%). Granted, the Leafs played a very structured and collapsing defensive game, challenging the Senators to take high-volume shots from the outside while they took away the middle of the ice.

To his credit however, Cozens finished fourth on the team with his individual expected goal rate, but again, we are talking small sample sizes here.

What matters is that if the Senators are to transition from a prospective playoff team to a true Stanley Cup contender, they will need their second line to not only be productive but also tilt the ice in their team's favour against the opposition's best.

Sharing a quarter of the regular season with the Senators and playing in a competitive playoff series with this same group should give Cozens a level of comfort and familiarity with his teammates and coaching staff that can help him have a strong 2025-26 campaign.

The Senators will need it if they are going to take marked steps forward this season. 

By Graeme Nichols
The Hockey News - Ottawa

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Next NHL Expansion Fee May Be 40 Times More Than The Senators Paid
Is The Senators' 2025-26 Lineup Is Already Set?

The NHL Network released their quarter century team, which has both active and retired players from clubs around the league who made their NHL debuts on or after Jan. 1, 2000.

Surprisingly, the NHL Network's quarter century team did not include longtime Montreal Canadiens star goalie Carey Price. Instead, the NHL Network went with Jonathan Quick and Andrei Vasilevskiy for their goalies. 

Introducing the NHL Network's Quarter Century Team! pic.twitter.com/B9Or6GEJVI

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 15, 2025

There is no question that Quick and Vasilevskiy both have had a ton of success in their careers, but there was also a real case for Price to be included in the NHL Network's quarter century team. Price had a spectacular career with the Canadiens and was one of the best goalies in the NHL during his prime years. 

In 712 games over 15 seasons with the Habs, Price recorded a 361-261-79 record, a .917 save percentage, a 2.51 goals-against average, and 49 shutouts. He also memorably won the Hart Memorial Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, and William M. Jennings Trophy for the 2014-15 season. In addition, he appeared in seven NHL All-Star Games.

While Price did not win the Stanley Cup with the Canadiens, he still put up strong numbers during the playoffs as well. In 92 career playoff games, he had a 2.39 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. 

However, with the marvelous career Price had, it was not enough for him to make the NHL Network's quarter century team. 

Canadiens Exciting Winger Named Top Breakout CandidateNHL.com is currently doing a series that is focusing on one fantasy hockey breakout candidate for each team. Their pick for the Montreal Canadiens' breakout candidate was announced on August 15, and it is an exciting player who fans are certainly hoping can hit a new level in 2025-26. 

The NHL regular season is an absolute grind. 

An 82-game schedule, extending six months, plus a two-week pause for the Olympics this year, puts every player to the test. 

For the Nashville Predators, the focus is to show that last season was a "fluke" and that they are ready to not only dominate the regular season but also make a push for a deep playoff run. 

It's Smashville versus everyone and The Hockey News Nashville Predators is examining just how well the Predators stack up against every division in the league.

Today we take a look at the Central Division.  

Winnipeg Jets 

22-23 record: 1-1-2 

23-24 record: 2-1-1 

24-25 record: 2-2-0

The Predators have fared well against the Winnipeg Jets, who have qualified for the playoffs three years in a row and won the President's Trophy this past season. 

This season was a matchup of the best power play in the league against one of the best penalty kills in the league. The Predators did allow three power-play goals over the three games, but none came in either of Nashville's wins over Winnipeg. 

It'll be an uphill battle for the Predators against the Jets as two of three games in this series will be on the road. 

25-26 prediction: 1-2-0 

Dallas Stars 

22-23 record: 0-4-0

23-24 record: 2-2-0 

24-25 record: 2-2-0

The needle has moved a bit since the Predators went winless against the Stars two years ago. 

Nashville lost its regular-season opener to the Stars by a goal, then had a three-goal win in Dallas two months later. In the final month of play, the Stars and Predators traded 5-1 wins to close out the regular season series.

In both of the Predators' wins against the Stars, they had one big scoring period. In the 4-1 win, the Predators scored three unanswered goals in the second period. In the 5-1 win, Nashville found the back of the net three times in the first period. 

The third meeting was the final game of the season for Nashville, meaning the Stars could've been resting players. This year, the Predators and Stars will meet three times, twice at home. The third meeting will be the Predators' second game coming out of the Olympic break in Dallas. 

25-26 prediction: 2-1-0 

Colorado Avalanche 

22-23 record: 0-3-1 

23-24 record: 2-1-0 

24-25 record: 2-1-1 

Outside of an overtime loss, the Predators essentially won their regular-season series against the Avalanche. They picked up five of eight possible points in the series. 

Nashville picked up a 5-2 win in early November before the Avalanche responded with a 3-2 win in overtime later that month. Colorado won again at home, 5-2, the next month. In the final meeting of the season, right after the 4 Nations Face-Off break, Nashville picked up a 2-1 win. 

These games have been a bit closer than other divisional series. Even in the Predators' 5-2 loss, it was two empty net goals that put the game away, and Nashville outplayed Colorado. These two keep it close and it's probably going to be similar this year.

There are four games on the docket again. The first, Nov. 22, will be the Predators' first home game since the Global Series in Sweden. Nashville will have the week off between the Global Series game and the Avalanche game at home. 

The second and third will be four days apart, with a home game against St. Louis squeezed in the middle. The January meeting will be the front of a road back-to-back in Denver and Vegas. 

25-26 prediction: 2-2-0

Minnesota Wild 

22-23 record: 2-1-0

23-24 record: 2-1-0 

24-25 record: 1-1-1 

The Minnesota Wild barely won the regular-season series against the Predators last season, picking up a 3-2 overtime win, which was their first meeting of the season. 

Over the last three seasons, it's been one game that has decided this series. In 2023, it was a 4-3 Predators overtime win in the second-to-last game of the season.

In 2024, it was a blowout 6-1 win in the middle of February, but the Wild did get their lick back in a 4-3 overtime victory 11 days later. This series has had at least one overtime game and a blowout victory in the last few years.

This season, the Predators will see the Wild on the road in early November and late December, the day before the Christmas pause. The Wild are in Nashville on Feb. 4 and April 11, which is the third-to-last game before the end of the regular season. 

25-26 prediction: 3-1-0 

St. Louis Blues 

22-23 record: 2-1-1 

23-24 record: 3-0-0 

24-25 record: 0-4-0 

The Blues needed every point they could get to make it into the playoffs and didn't let the Predators pick up a single point in their regular season series. This was also a year after the Predators swept the regular season series. 

There was one close game, a 3-2 loss in Nashville, but the Predators were outscored 18-8 in last season's series. In every game outside of the 3-2 loss, the Predators went down 2-0 early and could not recover.

In the last meeting, the Predators had a 2-0 lead before the Blues scored three unanswered goals. 

If the Predators improve from last season, these two teams could be in the same area in the standings, so these matchups are going to be critical. They will have a home-and-home series four days apart in December and another game at the end of the month in St. Louis. 

The final meeting of the regular season will be Feb. 2 in Nashville. 

25-26 prediction: 1-2-1 

Utah Mammoth (prev. Arizona Coyotes) 

22-23 record: 2-2-0 

23-24 record: 1-3-0 

24-25 record: 2-1-0 

Last season was the first time the Predators had won a regular-season series against the Coyotes since 2022. 

The Predators' first-ever meeting against the Mammoth was a 4-0 shutout win on Nov. 9. They'd meet again on April 10, and Nashville walked away with a narrow 4-3 shutout win. Utah prevented the season sweep as it'd pick up a dominating 7-3 win four days later. 

Similar to St. Louis, Utah made a late-season push to get into the playoffs, and the Predators could be competing with them this coming season to get in, making these games more critical. 

The Predators will meet with the Mammoth four times this season, with their first meeting coming in the second game of the year on Oct. 11 in Nashville. They'll meet again on Dec. 29 in Salt Lake City in the third game of a seven-game road trip. 

Utah is in Nashville on Jan. 24 and the final meeting is on April 9 in Utah. 

The first matchup is during a home stand, the second is the toughest on the road trip, but the third comes after home games against Buffalo and Ottawa. The final is the end of a six-game road trip. It'll be a tight series. 

25-26 prediction: 2-1-1 

Chicago Blackhawks

22-23: 2-1-0 

23-24: 4-0-0 

24-25:  3-1-0

The Predators have not lost a season series to the Blackhawks since the 2016-17 season, funnily enough, the same year that the Predators went to the Stanley Cup Final. 

That will likely not change this season as the Blackhawks are in full rebuild. However, this is a rivalry series and the games were close last season. Three out of the four meetings were decided by a goal, with two of the games needing extra time. 

The exception was a 7-2 Predators loss on Feb. 7 in Chicago. In two of the three Predators wins, they had to come from behind as the Blackhawks got off to hot starts. 

Nashville will face Chicago for the first time on Nov. 28 in Chicago, the day after Thanksgiving. The Blackhawks are in Nashville on Jan. 10 in the middle of a four-game home stand. In their first game out of the Olympic break, the Predators host the Blackhawks on Feb. 26.

Their final showdown of the season will be on March 22 in Chicago, their only road game in a five-game stretch. 

25-26 prediction: 3-1-0 

Explore 76 Years of Hockey History with THN + Get a Free Yearbook Preview

The Hockey News has opened its full archive to all subscribers — 76 years of stories, features, and unforgettable hockey history are now just a click away.

Don’t miss this rare free preview of our newest Yearbook, one of our biggest and most anticipated issues of the year. It’s loaded with betting tips, team reports, fantasy hockey insights, and much more — a must-read for every serious hockey fan.

Detroit Red Wings - Aug. 8 2025 - Vol. 78 Issue 13 - Bob Duff

IF STEVE YZERMAN WERE a baseball player, you could say he enjoyed a solid summer. The GM’s objective was to add three key pieces to his team: a top-six forward, a top-four defenseman (preferably a right shot) and, finally, a proven No. 1 goalie. Yzerman batted .333, going 1-for-3 at filling his needs. He landed a frontline netminder, acquiring John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks. However, he came up empty in his other pursuits, as top UFAs again turned their back on the Red Wings, and the trade market proved fruitless.

So, unless Gibson stands on his head or the youngsters take further steps forward, the Wings are almost certainly facing a 10th successive season without playoff hockey.

OFFENSE

The Red Wings entered 2024-25 minus 75 goals from their lineup. Still, generating offense on the whole wasn’t a major issue. Scoring at even strength, however, was a significant problem. Detroit wound up 27th in the league with 143 5-on-5 goals. Heading into next season, there’s been some addition by subtraction. The Wings replaced Vladimir Tarasenko and his 11 goals with the 16 goals James van Riemsdyk scored last season for Columbus. Lucas Raymond continued his growth into an elite NHLer, scoring 27 goals and a team-leading 80 points. Alex DeBrincat led the Wings with 39 goals, while captain Dylan Larkin hit the 30-goal plateau for the fourth successive season. Patrick Kane counted 21 goals, and six others hit double digits.

DEFENSE

The Red Wings were looking to add a left-shot defenseman to play with Moritz Seider or a right-shot 'D' to slot in alongside Simon Edvinsson on the second pair. Unsuccessful, Detroit is going with the same top four as last season: Seider with Ben Chiarot and Edvinsson with Albert Johansson. Edvinsson kept making strides in his first full NHL season, while Johansson’s reliable play was a revelation when he was given a chance after Todd McLellan took over as coach. The only addition to the blueline was right-shot UFA Jacob Bernard-Docker. He’ll battle with Erik Gustafsson and Justin Holl for third-pair minutes. The Detroit defense accounted for a dismal 27 goals last season.

Red Wings Add Blue Line Depth With Signing of Travis Hamonic Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman has already signed defensemen Jacob Bernard-Docker and Ian Mitchell so far this offseason, but another new name has been added to Detroit's blue line. 

GOALTENDING

Gibson’s move to Detroit ended years of speculation that he’d be departing Anaheim. His career .910 save percentage, mostly earned playing for below-average clubs, will bring improvement for a team that was tied for 22nd last season with an .890 SP. Cam Talbot was solid in stints, but he’s 38 and no longer capable of staying healthy enough to carry the load as a No. 1.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Since the NHL began tracking power-play and penalty-kill percentages, no club ever displayed the discrepancy the Red Wings did in 2024-25. Detroit’s power play was fourth in the NHL at 27 percent, while the penalty kill was dead last at 70.1 percent. DeBrincat (13), Larkin (13) and Kane (12) all tallied double figures in power-play goals. Raymond (29) and Seider (20) each dished out 20-plus PP assists. Van Riemsdyk’s net-front presence will further enhance this unit. The hope is that Bernard-Docker and winger Mason Appleton will upgrade the PK group.

INTANGIBLES

Yzerman spoke extensively about the need for the club to play a heavier game following the conclusion of 2024-25. Expectations are that the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Appleton, a solid third-line presence in Winnipeg, and the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Bernard-Docker will bring that element. Yzerman and McLellan each expressed concern about the team’s leadership group. Unless there’s growth from within, this issue wasn’t addressed with off-season moves.

ROOKIES

Several rookies are on the cusp of cracking the roster. Defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka arrives in North America after earning consecutive WJC top-defenseman selections. Norwegian winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygard proved a quick learner in a brief season-ending AHL stint. Sebastian Cossa is now third on the goalie depth chart.

Red Wings Tried to Make Major Splash in Free Agency, NHL Insider RevealsThe Detroit Red Wings were among the more active teams in free agency during the offseason, bringing aboard multiple new players including James van Riemsdyk, Mason Appleton, Ian Mitchell, and Jacob Bernard-Docker. 

X-FACTOR

Latvian winger Eduards Tralmaks is an intriguing addition. The 28-year-old European free agent was top scorer in the Czech Extraliga and was impressive at the World Championship. He has size at 6-foot-4 and 213 pounds and has played plenty in North America, including four NCAA years at the University of Maine. He also posted a 14-goal season for the AHL’s Providence Bruins in 2021-22.

THE BRASS

With Yzerman entering his seventh season as GM, his seat is going to get quite hot should another playoff failure be the result. McLellan could help turn down the heat. The Wings were eighth-best in the East (26-18-4) after he took over. That projects to 96 points over 82 games, which would result in post-season hockey.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Detroit AHL Coach Believes Defence "Could Be Strength"Detroit AHL coach Brian Lashoff believes Red Wings have tools to fix defensive woes from last season.

2024-25 NUMBERS

RECORD

39-35-8 (.524)

OVERTIME

6-8

SHOOTOUT

3-0

OVERALL

21st

OFFENSE

2.87 GPG (22nd)

DEFENSE

3.16 GAA (21st)

POWER PLAY

27.0% (4th)

PENALTY KILL

70.1% (32nd)

EXPECTED GF/60

2.4 (23rd)

EXPECTED GA/60

2.58 (22nd)

ICE TIME LEAD (F)

D. Larkin (20:04)

ICE TIME LEAD (D)

M. Seider (25:04)

Mattias Ekholm, Cam Talbot Surface in New Red Wings-Oilers Trade RumorsDetroit’s trade discussions with Edmonton are heating up, with big names like Mattias Ekholm and Cam Talbot rumored to be in play.

Fast FACTS

COACH

Todd McLellan

GM

Steve Yzerman

CAPTAIN

Dylan Larkin

ARENA

Little Caesars Arena

CAPACITY

20,000

AHL AFFILIATE

Grand Rapids Griffins

ECHL AFFILIATE

Toledo Walleye

Cup ODDS

46/1

Red Wings Fantasy Hockey Outlook: Kasper and Gibson Potential League WinnersJohn Gibson, Marco Kasper among several Detroit Red Wings poised to outperform their early undervalued Fantasy Hockey rankings.

Future WATCH

TOP 10 PROSPECTS

1. Axel Sandin-Pellikka

Pos D Age 20

2024-25 Skelleftea (Swe.)

Repeated as top WJC defenseman. He’s a one-man breakout and an uber-talented power-play QB.

Expected NHL Arrival ’25-26

2. Carter Bear

Pos LW Age 18

2024-25 Everett (WHL)

His motor never stops, and he wowed in draft year with 40-goal output. Reliable in all situations.

Expected NHL Arrival ’27-28

3. Nate Danielson

Pos C Age 21

2024-25 Grand Rapids (AHL)

Wings will be patient as he develops in AHL. Coach’s dream, as he does all the little things right.

Expected NHL Arrival ’25-26

4. Trey Augustine

Pos G Age 20

2024-25 Michigan State (Big Ten)

Calm, collected keeper is a serial winner. He’s working to add puck-handling skill to deep toolbox.

Expected NHL Arrival ’28-29

5. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard

Pos RW Age 19

2024-25 Skelleftea (Swe)

After a season in Sweden’s top flight, clever scorer put up three points in three AHL playoff games.

Expected NHL Arrival ’27-28

6. Sebastian Cossa

Pos G Age 22

2024-25 Grand Rapids (AHL)

Casts shadow with 6-foot-6 frame. Thrives thanks to positional and mechanical soundness.

Expected NHL Arrival ’26-27

7. Eddie Genborg

Pos RW Age 18

2024-25 Linkoping (Swe.)

Stands 6-foot-1, but he plays like he’s bigger. High floor thanks to two-way game and gritty play.

Expected NHL Arrival ’29-30

8. Carter Mazur

Pos LW Age 23

2024-25 Grand Rapids (AHL)

Fiery winger has great stats when healthy. Played just 20 AHL games plus one in the NHL last season.

Expected NHL Arrival ’26-27

9. Dmitri Buchelnikov

Pos LW Age 22

2024-25 Vityaz Moscow (KHL)

Nearly cracked top 15 in KHL scoring in breakout season. Speedster is always looking to create.

Expected NHL Arrival ’26-27

10. Emmitt Finnie

Pos C Age 20

2024-25 Kamloops (WHL)

Finnie keeps kicking down doors. Has no single star-quality attribute but is total package with high IQ.

Expected NHL Arrival ’27-28

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