Dylan Cozens has the tools necessary to be one of the top goal scorers in the 2019 NHL Draft.
The 2019 NHL Draft is an extremely deep one as far as forwards. Even once you get past Kaapo Kakko and Jack Hughes, there’s another tier of centers who should be top-notch NHL players. Dylan Cozens could emerge as the best goal scorer of that group.
Cozens had an extremely productive year in the WHL. He led all under-18 forwards with 84 points and 62 primary points. His 1.24 points per game mark led his peers as well. Additionally, Cozens finished third in goals with 34.
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He was also extremely impressive at five-on-five, as he led under-18 WHL forwards in five-on-five points (59), primary points (44), assists (34), and goals (25). Cozens was effective on the power-play too, posting 14 points (tied for fourth among under-18 WHL players) in 5v4 points.
Prospect Profile
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 181 pounds
Teams: USDP/U18 Team
Country: Canada
Position: Center
Handedness: Right-handed
Date of birth: Feb. 9, 2001
All profile info is courtesy of Elite Prospects.
Strengths
Cozens is one of the most offensively gifted players in the draft. The WHL is a pretty tough league, but he managed to stand out as an under-18 player. His pedigree is an impressive one too, as he was named the WHL rookie of the year in 2017-18.
Cozens also stood out by helping Team Canada win the Hlinka Gretzky Cup by posting five points in five games and by notching nine points at the World Juniors with Canada’s Under-18 team. His resume is definitely one of the more impressive ones at the 2019 draft.
His skating is great, as he’s got terrific speed, agility, and acceleration. Some of Cozens’ best work has come off the rush and on breakaway chances. His size makes him even more difficult to handle if he gets going.
Cozens calling card, though, is his goal scoring. Other than Kakko, I don’t think there’s a better wrist shot in the 2019 draft. Cozens has a very quick release and isn’t afraid to take chances. He can beat you in numerous ways, but he seems to prefer the top of the slot. Cozens definitely isn’t afraid to get around the crease, though.
I’m impressed with his hockey IQ as well. Cozens is an underrated passer who can create chances for his teammates. I’d say he’s better at finishing chances than creating them, but that’s more of a testament to his shooting.
Cozens defense stands out too. He might be the second-best defensive center in this draft other than Turcotte.
Weaknesses
Cozens will need to add to his frame. He likes to be physical, so I’d like to see him put on about 10 to 20 more pounds so he can sustain his physicality in the NHL. This would help Cozens on the forecheck as well, where his lack of success isn’t due to a lack of effort.
If he gets stronger, this will help his offensive game grow. At times, Cozens can be easy to play off the puck due to his lanky frame.
Highlights
Overall Outlook
Cozens is similar to Alex Turcotte. They both project to be excellent two-way centers. I’m not sure which one will go first. It will likely come down to a few factors. First of all, Cozens has a size advantage, which isn’t insignificant. Secondly, Turcotte is less NHL ready.
I could see Cozens going as early as third overall to the Chicago Blackhawks. He falls in that “third overall pick to 10th overall pick” range where any combination of players could be picked and it likely wouldn’t surprise anyone.