Josh Norris' return to Ottawa as a Buffalo Sabre has reignited the debate surrounding the trade that sent him to Buffalo in exchange for Dylan Cozens. The trade, which occurred at last year's deadline, also involved Jacob Bernard-Docker going to Buffalo, with Ottawa receiving Dennis Gilbert and a 2026 second-round pick in addition to Cozens. While framed as a five-asset deal, the central focus was the swap of Norris and Cozens, two highly drafted centers seeking a fresh start.

Norris' tenure in Ottawa was marked by struggles to maintain his health, particularly with recurring shoulder issues. Cozens, on the other hand, experienced a decline in his play and production after a career-best 68-point season in 2022-23. Consequently, both the Senators and Sabres felt that a change of scenery would benefit both players.

Since joining the Sabres, Norris has faced similar injury concerns, while Cozens seems to have found new life in Ottawa. Despite the contrasting experiences, Norris' recent performance as a catalyst for the Sabres' success has reignited discussions about which team ultimately "won" the trade.

In a recent game between the Sabres and Senators, Buffalo secured a 3-2 overtime victory. However, the game also marked Norris' first return to Ottawa since the trade, intensifying the scrutiny on the deal.

Some observers believe that a healthy Norris is the superior player compared to Cozens. Both players possess a high level of skill, and the trade has been viewed as potentially beneficial for both franchises. However, the key factor is Norris' ability to stay healthy and on the ice.

Norris is currently in the fourth year of an eight-year, $63.6 million extension signed with the Senators in 2022, while Cozens is in the third season of a seven-year, $49.7 million deal he signed with Buffalo in 2023. The long-term success of the trade hinges on both players' ability to consistently contribute and live up to their contracts.

The Senators hope that Cozens can rediscover the elite scoring touch he displayed earlier in his career. At the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, Cozens scored 16 points in seven games, ranking as the fifth-highest total in Canadian history. Ottawa is banking on Cozens being the younger, bigger, and healthier player.

While Norris may be the more skilled player, his injury history remains a significant concern. Ottawa may have been unwilling to continue dealing with that risk and opted for a player who is more consistently available. The trade's outcome may ultimately depend on whether Norris can overcome his injury issues and remain a consistent contributor for the Sabres.

Losing Norris was difficult for some of his former teammates, particularly Brady Tkachuk, who expressed sadness about the departure of his close friend. The human element of trades can sometimes be overlooked, but it's clear that Norris was a well-liked member of the Senators organization.

Ultimately, whether the trade benefits either side depends on the players' ability to perform consistently and remain healthy.