Per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, a forward long linked to the Detroit Red Wings via rumor is off the board, as the Buffalo Sabres send Dylan Cozens to Ottawa. The full deal will send Cozens and defenseman Dennis Gilbert and a 2026 second round pick to the Senators in exchange for Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker.

The Red Wings (30-27-6, 66 points) have lost five in a row in regulation for the first time this season. They are one point behind Ottawa and the New York Rangers for the second wild card spot. The Capitals (41-14-8) are tied with Winnipeg for the NHL-lead with 90 points.

The Ottawa Senators, one of Detroit’s chief rivals for an Eastern Conference wildcard spot, traded for the player that the Red Wings wanted The Senators acquired center-wing Dylan Cozens, a second-round pick and defenseman Dennis Gilbert for center Josh Norris and defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker.

The Ottawa Senators landed Dylan Cozens, a player the Red Wings were interested in, plus  intriguing Fabian Zetterlund. The Florida Panthers brought in Seth Jones and Brad Marchand.  The Toronto Maple Leafs improved their defense with the acquisition of Brandon Carlo and added respected third-line center Scott Laughton.

This week on Acoustic Café, Leif Vollebekk talks about his the process behind his recent music release, playing new songs in-studio.

Thursday's 4-2 loss to Utah was the Wings' fourth consecutive loss and they have the toughest schedule remaining in the NHL.