Toronto Maple Leafs Should Pump the Brakes On Tyler Bozak Trade Talk

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Tyler Bozak
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The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be interested in trading as many players as possible between late June and September when NHL training camps open up. Sportsnet’s Damien Cox reports that the Leafs are asking for a second-round pick for center Tyler Bozak. Bozak’s being paid $4.2 million per season to currently center the top line with James van Riemsdyk and Phil Kessel. One or all members of the forward line could be playing elsewhere this fall as the Leafs try to rebuild.

Since being signed by Toronto in 2009 as a college free agent, Bozak has elevated his game to be considered the Leafs’ top center with two scoring wingers. The team has been scrambling to find their No. 1 center since the departure of former captain Mats Sundin, and this 29-year-old has had consecutive seasons of 49 points. He may have those points playing with van Riemsdyk and Kessel, but he is not the best center with his overall play. Last season he totaled a career-worst minus-34 rating.

After Christmas last season, the team was in a disaster state. From Jan. 2 to Mar. 26, 37 games were played and Toronto won a handful of them. Yes, that’s right — five games total. The play also resulted in the firing of former Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle. During that time, Bozak accumulated only 10 points total.

While putting up 49 points in back-to-back seasons may be considered good in some markets, it is not enough for the hockey crazed fans in Toronto. If the Leafs can trade Bozak to a less demanding market, he could succeed. If they can get what they feel is market value, he could easily slide in and be a second center on an NHL roster other than Toronto. He can’t seem to handle the top forward role, but he can put the puck in the back of the net in a smaller market and thrive.

There’s value in Bozak across the league. Proven playoff contenders, as well as teams facing pressure to get into the playoffs, will probably overpay for the crop of free agents available this summer. If Toronto’s smart, they can hang onto Bozak until after July 1. There will be some general managers who may not be able to get their desired acquisition at the beginning of free agency, so there is no rush to move Bozak.

The team is not going to get Patrick Sharp, Sidney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin for Bozak. However, if the team stays calm and doesn’t act too hastily, they can flip Bozak for some future considerations either resulting in a draft pick or a prospect. Then they will have another small foundation block toward improving this hockey club.

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