Dylan Cozens
Acquiring Dylan Cozens would involve many moving parts. The Leafs would need to make multiple smaller trades to free up salary cap space or get a third team involved in their trade with the Buffalo Sabres for Cozens. It wouldn't be easy, but it would be a sign from Leafs GM Brad Treliving that he is going all-in for the playoffs.
Cozens is a 24-year-old centerman from Whitehorse, Yukon. He is 6'3, 207 Lbs, and is a former first-round pick (7th overall) of the Buffalo Sabres in the 2019 NHL draft. He has 11 goals and 20 assists for 31 points in 59 games this season. He is averaging 17:16 minutes of ice time. Although he is having a down year in terms of points, the Leafs would be acquiring him as he enters his prime.
The reason for the Leafs needing to be creative in acquiring Cozens is his $7.1 million contract. To make Cozens fit onto the Leafs roster, they would need to trade three or four roster players to make room.
On top of that, they would need to meet the Sabres asking price which will need to include the Leafs 2026 first-round pick and one of Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan. If a third team is needed to make the trade happen, that could cost additional picks or prospects.
Acquiring Cozens would be the hardest deal for Treliving to pull off at this year's trade deadline, so I'm not too high on thinking it'll happen, but you never know.