Why Tyler Bozak Should Be Traded
Posted 4:39 PM ET | Comments 0
Luke D
Tyler Bozak is certainly one of the Maple Leafs most interesting trade candidates. Since he's been signed as a undrafted free agent back in 2009, he has been productive in his tenure with the Maple Leafs, or so we thought. Despite his numbers, most critics say that playing on the top line with former Maple Leaf Phil Kessel is the only reason for his production. Unfortunately, they are correct. When Bozak was not playing with Kessel, his numbers were similar to the average 3rd line center. However, he played with Kessel almost every game so it will be interesting to see how his numbers shape up without Kessel.
Unfortunately, there's more to worry about than his numbers. He's also injury prone and has played 70+ games only 3 times in 5 full seasons with the Maple Leafs. He may not be Joffrey Lupul but injuries are still one thing that will be considered when other teams attempt to trade for him. The last problem though is his contract. He has 3 years left on his current deal that pays him $4.2 million per year and that is considered as overpaid to the teams that view him as a 3rd line center. If he is viewed as a 2nd line center to the teams that want him, then his contract is considered a slight bargain to them. He's also 28 years old so do not expect him to be back on the team after this season.
Tyler Bozak is certainly one of the Maple Leafs most interesting trade candidates. Since he's been signed as a undrafted free agent back in 2009, he has been productive in his tenure with the Maple Leafs, or so we thought. Despite his numbers, most critics say that playing on the top line with former Maple Leaf Phil Kessel is the only reason for his production. Unfortunately, they are correct. When Bozak was not playing with Kessel, his numbers were similar to the average 3rd line center. However, he played with Kessel almost every game so it will be interesting to see how his numbers shape up without Kessel.
Unfortunately, there's more to worry about than his numbers. He's also injury prone and has played 70+ games only 3 times in 5 full seasons with the Maple Leafs. He may not be Joffrey Lupul but injuries are still one thing that will be considered when other teams attempt to trade for him. The last problem though is his contract. He has 3 years left on his current deal that pays him $4.2 million per year and that is considered as overpaid to the teams that view him as a 3rd line center. If he is viewed as a 2nd line center to the teams that want him, then his contract is considered a slight bargain to them. He's also 28 years old so do not expect him to be back on the team after this season.