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Top 10 Best UFA Signings in Toronto Maple Leafs History

By Stephen Nixon

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 15: Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares #91 looks on against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at the Scotiabank Arena on October 15, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 15: Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares #91 looks on against the Minnesota Wild during the second period at the Scotiabank Arena on October 15, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 17: Toronto Maple Leafs Center Nazem Kadri (43) and Toronto Maple Leafs Center Tyler Bozak (42). (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 17: Toronto Maple Leafs Center Nazem Kadri (43) and Toronto Maple Leafs Center Tyler Bozak (42). (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

#9. Tyler Bozak

It’s crazy to think that Bozak was never drafted to the National Hockey League.

Even after scoring 45 goals and 128 points in his final year of junior, no NHL team came knocking so Bozak decided to go play NCAA hockey instead.

After two seasons at the University of Denver, the Leafs signed Bozak as an undrafted free agent.

One of the best moves that Brian Burke ever made as General Manager.

Although Bozak was always asked to play a bigger role than he was capable of, he became a fan-favorite quickly.

Bozak provided a number of highlights over the years that will always be remembered.

His shootout winner in the 2014 Winter Classic always comes to mind, but his most notable highlight was his OT goal in Game 3 of the 2017 NHL Playoffs against Washington.

It’s unfortunate that Bozak was never able to play a role more suited to his game in Toronto, because as we saw with the St. Louis Blues last season, Bozak can be a third-line centre on a Stanley Cup winning team.

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