The odds are slim for an undrafted player to make the NHL. The Toronto Maple Leafs Tyler Bozak has become one of the outliers to buck the trend.
Eight years ago, Bozak made his National Hockey League debut for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Philadelphia Flyers. A game that saw him score his first NHL goal in highlight reel fashion. Foreshadowing the long and productive career for the Saskatchewan native.
Since then, other undrafted college free agents have suited up for Toronto Maple Leafs. Whether it be Casey Bailey, Christian Hanson (who made his debut alongside Bozak), or Spencer Abbott; none were able to make a mark while in Toronto.
Instead of flaming out, Bozak has carved out a career that has seen him play over 500 games. One of Brian Burkes first moves saw him land the then 23-year-old center out of the University of Denver. Bozak has since gone on to register 124 goals, 191 assists, and 315 points.
Not bad for a undrafted college free agent.
Eight years later, the 31-year-old has become one of the wily old veterans on the team. Furthermore, while playing on a line with rookie Mitch Marner, Bozak can put together his first 50 point season of his career.
Tyler Bozak becomes the 40th player in Leafs franchise history to play 500 games. Impressive for an undrafted college free agent.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) March 16, 2017
Miscast and Overpaid
Through his time on the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bozak endured tough times from the fans and media. He turned into the default option to play first line center due to the chemistry he had with Phil Kessel. However, it became apparent that the role didn’t suit him.
Management couldn’t land a better option to play between their talented wingers, so Bozak remained on the top line. However, it became apparent that the role didn’t suit him. Management couldn’t land a better option to play between their talented wingers, so Bozak remained on the top line.
Furthermore, the contract that the Toronto Maple Leafs handed him only made the situation worse. Then General Manager Dave Nonis gave him a five-year deal worth $21 million and a cap hit of $4.2 million. For someone who had never scored 20 goals at the time, this kind of money made some cringe.
There were ups and downs with the line; they provided a bulk of the scoring, but their commitment to defense began to draw standout. The line became a symbol of everything that went wrong with Toronto during the Dave Nonis-Randy Carlyle era.
Going Forward
His success gets overlooked because he played a role that never suited him. As an undrafted college free agent to play over 500 games and score over 300 points it should be seen in a positive light. Bozak defied the odds of flaming out like most undrafted college free agents did and made himself into a regular NHLer.
Even in the midst of a rebuild, Bozak stayed in town, albeit because no team wanted any part of his contract. Still, this new regime shipped out or made players disappear who were under bigger contracts. He continues to remain a fixture on the Toronto Maple Leafs and a vital part as they make their playoff push.
Nonetheless, next season will mark the final year of his five-year contract. Although his cap hit will come down, bringing him back isn’t out the realm of possibility if the money makes sense. If management decides to re-sign him on a two-year deal, it will mark ten seasons with Toronto.
That will make for an interesting trivia answer down the road if he dawns a Leaf sweater for that long.