Tyler Bozak Will Return to Toronto Maple Leafs for Right Price

Forward Tyler Bozak is among a long list of Toronto Maple Leafs players set to become free agents come July this off-season including Clarke MacArthur, Nazem Kadri, Leo Komarov, Joe Colborne, Colton Orr, Ryan O’Byrne, Carl Gunnarsson and a few others.  Although the Maple Leafs are looking to keep the young talent, it may not necessarily happen if the price is too high especially with so many free agents and a decreased salary cap.

Talks between the two sides are said to have come to a stand-still and that may have something to do with what Bozak is asking.  He is said to be looking for upwards of $5 million, which is way out of range with what the Maple Leafs are willing to pay him.  If Bozak is wanting to stay and willing to take a pay decrease then there should not be a problem with his signing with Toronto; however, it appears at this point that the numbers between the two are too far apart as the Maple Leafs would probably be more likely to sign for around $3 million, which may ultimately cause a problem with talks.  He is more likely to get the kind of money he is asking for by testing free agency.

Maple Leafs general manager, Dave Nonis, has a lot to consider this off-season and not just with free agency as Phil Kessel‘s contract is soon to expire, so the organization may be looking to extend him an offer as well.  This will likely play into Bozak’s and a lot of other free agents’ contracts.

Stephanie Lewark is an NHL and Pittsburgh Penguins Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter (@steelcitysports), check out her Facebook page, or add her to your Google+ circle.