One way for a fan base to get excited about their team’s future is to give them a lot of players in the World Junior Championship. The two most important for the Buffalo Sabres, Jack Quinn (8th overall in 2020) and Dylan Cozens (7th overall in 2019) could make up two-thirds of Canada’s top line along with Blackhawks prospect, Kirby Dach, who is the team captain. That’s a heck of a line and they seem to have some chemistry, but a lot can happen between now and the time when they’ll have exhibition games.
Canada will now play one on December 23rd versus Russia. The exhibition schedule was pushed back because of positive tests with Sweden and Germany’s squads.
-
Ep 45: Canucks, Islanders, and The Boston Bruinsby Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 6:26 am
In this episode, Jim and Chris discuss the latest with the Canucks, […]
Dach was playing right wing, Cozens in the middle and Quinn was on the left side. Cozens does look physically stronger and that could be the little edge he’ll need this year to get through the rigors of an NHL season. If nothing else, he could be a part of the taxi squad
Cozens is now listed at 6-3, 198 pounds. He was listed at 183 when he was drafted seventh overall in 2019. He has all the necessary tools in his toolbox. He has an elite wrist shot. I was behind a pane of glass when he was ripping them on net a few summers ago and saw it first-hand, the same way a goalie will in this tournament. Cozens is wearing the “A” as part of Canada’s leadership group rounded out with Colorado Avalanche prospect defenseman, Bowen Byram.
“To wear this letter takes a lot of responsibility, and I wear it with pride and humility,” said Cozens. “We have matured a lot in the last couple of years. With experience and what it takes to win. Having experience of last year’s World Juniors that’s huge for us. Just being a second-year guy on this team now. We know how hard it’s going to be.”
Quarantine life isn’t easy for all people from all walks of life. Yes, hockey players are regular people with special skills, but they have to learn how to deal with that, and so far, Cozens hasn’t had any issues in the bubble. It’s hard to say he’s coping with it when he’s just so darn upbeat about it.
“We’ve done 14 days already so doing five was a bit of a breeze for us,” Cozens chuckled. “Better WiFi here though.”
Canada is the favorite in the tournament. That’s not a surprise. The other day in practice featured a fourth line of Connor Zary on the left side (Calgary Flames, 24th overall in 2020), Quinton Byfield (Los Angeles Kings 2nd overall in 2020) at center, and Philip Tomasino on the right side (Nashville Predators, 20th overall pick in 2019). All three players can play the pivot, it’s truly an embarrassment of riches but this year, more than in other years, we could see more injuries from lack of playing, positive tests are possible, and just getting cold in a key game can cost even the best teams. The world is truly watching this tournament, not much other hockey is operating at the moment and the NHL’s start is on the horizon.
-
Ep 42: Going Streaking, 84 Game Schedule, Ovechkin Watch, Holiday Funby Full Press Coverage on December 22, 2022 at 5:50 pm
In this episode, Jim and Chris talk notable point streaks in the NHL, the […]
-
Ep 41: Alex Ovechkin, Playoff Expansion, and Moreby Full Press Coverage on December 15, 2022 at 2:27 am
Jim and Chris are back to discuss Alex Ovechkin's 800th goal, potential […]
-
Ep 40: Borje Salming Passing; Kris Letang, Roope Hintz, Top 5 Teamsby Full Press Coverage on December 2, 2022 at 12:45 am
Jim Biringer and Chris Wassel are back for another edition of Full Press […]
-
Ep 39: The NHL Has A Problemby Full Press Coverage on November 10, 2022 at 12:30 pm
Mike and Jim are back to discuss all the latest from around the NHL.
-
New Jersey Devils and NHL Talkby Full Press Coverage on January 26, 2023 at 8:00 am
Jim is back once again joined by Vox NHL Analyst Bruce Zeman to discuss […]
-
The Mess That Is The Vancouver Canucksby Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2023 at 8:00 am
Jim is back once again joined by Chris Wassel as they break down the mess […]
-
Ep 79: Bruins Are A Wagon, Pastrnak Contract, Krejci, Trade Deadlineby Full Press Coverage on January 18, 2023 at 6:35 pm
Ian and Chris evaluate the red-hot Bruins halfway through the season. In […]
-
Ep 78: Mitchell Miller Fiasco Reaction; What Do The Bruins Do Next?by Full Press Coverage on November 7, 2022 at 10:37 pm
Ian and Chris react to the Mitchell Miller signing fiasco and discuss what […]
-
S4Ep17 - Road Warriors - Devils, Kraken, Bruins, and Golden Knightsby Jim Biringer on January 24, 2023 at 7:00 am
Jim is back for a fourth season of the Final Word of Hockey with NHL […]
-
S4Ep16 - Consistency - Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthersby Jim Biringer on January 16, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Jim is back for a fourth season of the Final Word of Hockey with NHL […]
-
Episode #125: Rockford Offseason Makeover Successesby Full Press Coverage on January 19, 2023 at 5:04 pm
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, Sean and Sarah discuss the news […]
-
Episode #124: Snubbed? What The Frk!by Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 4:40 am
On this edition of The Calder Farmstead, Sean and Sarah break down the […]