Toronto Maple Leafs: 2017-18 Player Profiles – Tyler Bozak

We’re back with another episode of Toronto Maple Leafs player profiles.

The other day, we took a look at Frederik Andersen and the impact he’s made on the Toronto Maple Leafs since they acquired him. We’re going in alphabetical order, so today we’re going to be taking a look at the longest tenured Leaf. His name? Tyler Bozak.

Bozak’s Career

If you think of transactions from the Brian Burke era, chances are you’ll find a bunch that you want to forget about. However, there was one that stuck out in a good way.

The Regina native took a different route getting to the NHL. He never actually played in the WHL, where most Western-Canadian prospects play prior to getting drafted. Instead, he would spend three seasons playing for the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL. He later moved to the United States to play for the University of Denver, where he would play until the Leafs would sign him.

How he got to Toronto

On April 3, 2009, the Maple Leafs signed Bozak to a two-year entry level contract. Bozak had gone undrafted three times and he spent his year prior to being signed playing at the University of Denver. He put up 23 points through 19 games and he was one of the NCAA’s most highly touted prospects.

Bozak in Toronto

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Bozak made his NHL debut in the 2009-10 season and scored his first NHL goal after being called up for the second time that season.

He showed off his hands and put it past Michael Leighton for arguably one of the nicest goals that season.

Once the Leafs dealt for Phil Kessel, Bozak would spend his next six seasons playing alongside him on the top line.

Many believed that he wasn’t fit for the role, despite having some pretty good seasons points-wise. His career-best season before last year came in 2013-14, where he put up 49 points through 58 games.

On top of all of this, he was also one of the best in the shootout.

Bozak Last Season

Last season was Bozak’s best overall offensively, but that was also the case for many Leafs players. He spent the season centering James van Riemsdyk and Mitch Marner on the second line, where he would put up 55 points through 78 games.

The Leafs had one of the highest-scoring centre cores last year, combining with Auston Matthews and Nazem Kadri for a total of 175 points between the three. Matthews had 69 points and Kadri had 61.

He would also step up in the playoffs this past season, putting up four points through six games before the Leafs were knocked out.

Bozak’s Role Next Season: Second Line Centre

The fact is, the Leafs have too many forwards heading into this season, and Bozak could have possibly garnered interest from some other teams.

Next: Mitchell Marner Prediction

(Take this with a grain of salt) If the Leafs decide to keep Bozak, he’ll resume his role as the second line centre between van Riemsdyk and Marner. Anywhere between the 45-60 point range will be a successful season for him.