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Anaheim Ducks 2019 Draft Prospect Profile: Dylan Cozens

By Ciara Durant |
EVERETT, WA - JANUARY 26: Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Dylan Cozens (24) looks back at the puck in the third period of a game between the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Everett Silvertips on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, WA. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EVERETT, WA - JANUARY 26: Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Dylan Cozens (24) looks back at the puck in the third period of a game between the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Everett Silvertips on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, WA. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

There is only a small chance that the Anaheim Ducks win the draft lottery for Jack Hughes. Although, a Top 5 pick seems plausible. Dylan Cozens would be a great contender.

Jack Hughes is a generational talent and will absolutely be a game changer for whichever team has the esteemed honor of drafting him, that much is true. However, the Anaheim Ducks chances of winning the draft lottery, although possible, are still slim. While it would be rather disappointing to miss out on Hughes, or even Kaapo Kakko, there are still quite a few potential draft prospects that Ducks Nation can get excited about.

As we get close to the draft, we will focus on each of these players individual talents and skill sets and how they could benefit the Anaheim Ducks if Bob Murray were to choose them with the first of his first-round draft picks. Today, we focus in on Dylan Cozens, an 18-year-old center who currently plays for the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL.

Who is Dylan Cozens?

The 2017-18 WHL Rookie of the Year, Dylan Cozens has been having a phenomenal season. Currently ranked third on NHL Central Scouting’s list of North American skaters, each season he has set the bar higher and obtains his goals with flying colors. In 61 games he has 30 goals, with an added 45 helpers, for a total of 75 points. With 7 games left in their regular season, he still has plenty of time to increase his point total.

Cozen’s is typically hailed as a power forward. While the Anaheim Ducks already have Nick Ritchie on the roster, it isn’t too far of a stretch to say he could be on his way out in the next season or so. Although his tendency to play physically may be one of his downfalls, it doesn’t take him long to get back up to speed with the rest of his team.

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He is a versatile player, being able to play both center and wing, an added bonus for the Anaheim Ducks, should they draft him. With skates on his feet, he is almost unstoppable. Electric and mesmerizing, he possesses all the qualities of a fleet-footed skater and a masterful stick handler, being both fast and agile.

Rather than matching his teammate’s step for step and following their lead, he drives the tempo of the game with his quick wit and speed. While he may be lightning on his feet, he has perfected the skill of maintaining control of the puck at high speeds, which is something the Anaheim Ducks have struggled with this season.

Cozens is both a lethal weapon on the penalty-kill and the power play, allowing his skills to shine on special teams. He is phenomenal in the faceoff circle as well, winning a majority of the draws. While he is still young, he has top-line potential. With the ability to play center, could he be a shoo-in for Ryan Getzlaf‘s position once he retires?

While the NHL has certainly evolved from being a league driven by physicality to a league driven by speed, Cozens is the perfect balance of both. This will allow him to help the Ducks transition to the faster pace the NHL had grown accustomed to over the years, while still staying true to their “physical roots.” All in all, he really checks all the boxes on Bob Murray‘s list.

While he may not be Jack Hughes, Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel were not Connor McDavid either. Nor was Pierre-Luc Dubois as coveted as Auston Matthews. Nevertheless, each of these players have been successful in their own right, becoming franchise cornerstones for their respective teams. Just as Dylan Cozens will be for which every team is lucky enough to snag him in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Next. 2019 Draft Profile: Cole Caufield. dark

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