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Toronto Maple Leafs: Finding Tyler Bozak A New Home

By Tim Chiasson

Mar 24, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bozak (42) gets congratulated on his goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAYSports
Mar 24, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bozak (42) gets congratulated on his goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAYSports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are less than two weeks away from having a logjam at the center ice position.

When the Toronto Maple Leafs draft Auston Matthews that will bump Tyler Bozak down to fourth line center – an unacceptable position for him in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

With Nylander and Kadri already penciled in, and Matthews joining soon, now is the time to trade Tyler Bozak. Moving Nylander to the wing doesn’t make any sense. He’s a great talent and did well down the middle. Having three good, young, centers to anchor lines one to three is a future so bright that three years ago seemed like a fairytale for Leafs fans.

The Toronto Maple Leafs don’t have to trade Tyler Bozak, but right now he’s not only occupying a center position that shouldn’t be his anymore – he’s occupying a spot on the active roster for a younger player that is better suited developing in the NHL.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs already have an over $4M center for a fourth line role. His name is Brooks Laich, and no one will be inquiring about his availability. If the end of last years lineup (Nylander, Hyman, Soshnikov) are to all return, and Matthews and Marner are added, the Leafs are going to have very few spots available for playing time.

I’d much rather see Bozak sent off to the pasture than watch a deserving young player spend unnecessary time in the AHL. He’s a victim of asset management at this point. If he stays as a Toronto Maple Leafs player he’s not an useful asset for the rebuild, but if he’s dealt he gets turned into one.

What Bozak offers a team is a safe second line center on a friendly cap hit. He no longer fits the long-term scheme for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he could be useful to other teams.

The tricky part is finding a suitable partner. There are a few checks in the box that candidates need to have to take on Bozak in a deal.

  1. The cap space over the next two seasons without causing them maneuverability problems.
  2. Room to protect Bozak in the expansion draft so they don’t give up assets only to lose the acquired player for nothing.
  3. The legitimate need for a center who can float successfully between lines two and three.

The best candidate for a deal that doesn’t bring back any money or contracts to the Toronto Maple Leafs is probably coming from the Metropolitan Division.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes hit all three boxes and will need some cap floor insurance. The last game the Hurricanes played, according to Left Wing Lock, had the ‘Canes lines down the middle looking like this: J. Staal – Rask – Nash – McClemment

They could use a Tyler Bozak.

Would the Hurricanes be interested in a Bozak for picks deal? How about their 2nd rounder (43rd) and Winnipeg’s 3rd rounder (67th)? Is that a fair price for a center like Bozak?

The Hurricanes have seven picks in the first three rounds this year. That deal would give them center help, and still leave them with two firsts, a second and two thirds.

Next: Marner/Matthews Point Expectations

Again, the Toronto Maple Leafs don’t have to trade Bozak, but if they can make a deal that potentially improves them down the road, involving a player who won’t be here two years down the road, then they have to do it.

The big picture doesn’t involve Tyler Bozak.

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