Two Down. Now What? Update: Gilroy and Bozak Details
Christian Hanson’s getting ready to make his NHL debut tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers. Tyler Bozak is pretty much signed, sealed and delivered. But according to multiple news outlets, Brian Burke’s just getting warmed up. Next on his list: Boston University’s Matt Gilroy and Northeastern University’s Brad Thiessen.
On the same day that the Toronto Maple Leafs have just locked up the most coveted young player currently available, Bob Mckenzie and Darren Dreger are both reporting that the Leafs are now switching their attention over to another pair of highly touted youngsters. Boston defenseman Matt Gilroy is one name we’ve been throwing around for a little while now as the prize of this year’s college free agent crop. Matt is one of the 3 finalists for the NCAA’s Hobey Baker trophy for the best player in college hockey. Just to refresh your memories, here’s a little excerpt from the College Free Agency Preview piece I did a few weeks back:
Here’s what Mckeen’s Hockey had to say about Gilroy’s skillset:
“Gilroy is primed to be a star and could dramatically uplift the franchise that is fortunate to land him equally as much as a lottery pick. He’s smooth as they come with the puck, as he boasts unrivaled vision and passing skills. His ability to escape dangerous situations and orchestrate beautiful plays coming out of his own end has our scouts believing he could be special. Gilroy fits the prototype of a modern NHL defenseman and will be a mature 25-year old when he enters his rookie NHL season next fall. …While the hype over the John Tavares lottery is deafening, the courtship for Gilroy’s services could be just as fascinating and fruitful.”
http://mapleleafshotstove.com/index.php/2009/02/23/leafs-management-surveying-the-college-scene/
So we all know Matt pretty well. But now let’s talk about the other name that’s recently started to make the rounds, and that’s goaltender Brad Thiessen of Northeastern University. Brad is a 23 year old from Aldergrove, British Columbia, who like Bozak, came out of the BCHL to go through the NCAA route. This season, Thiessen boasts an outstanding stat line that includes a 25-12-4 record, a 2.12 GAA, and a .931 SV%, all career bests. The kid is a workhorse, playing every single minute for Northeastern this past season. His accomplishments include being named Northeastern’s first ever Hockey East Player of the Year and being the only unanimous selection for the Hockey East All-Star team. All of this has led to Brad becoming the top goalie in college hockey, and currently sits with Matt Gilroy and Nashville top prospect Colin Wilson as one of the three finalists for the Hobey Baker trophy.
According to Bob Mckenzie:
“Now the Leafs are targeting a pair of Boston collegians – Boston University defenceman and captain Matt Gilroy and Northeastern University goalie Brad Thiessen.
Maple Leaf front office executive Joe Niuewendyk has been leading the charge on behalf of the Leafs in the U.S. college ranks. It has been Nieuwendyk who has been spending a lot of time in college arenas this season. But in the case of both Gilroy and Thiessen, Maple Leaf GM Brian Burke has also been directly involved since he spends so much time in Boston.
Thiessen is eligible to turn pro at any time and it’s believed the Maple Leafs are on a short list of two or three teams he’s considering.”
Thiessen seems to be quite the popular player, with a website (www.thiessen39.com) going up to promote Brad and his push for the Hobey Baker trophy. There are a few quality videos on there including a highlight compilation as well as a short interview. He certainly comes off as a well-spoken, mature young man.
Between Hanson, Bozak, and possibly even Gilroy and Thiessen, the Leafs will have managed to add considerable quality and depth with two forwards, a young goalie, and a blue-chip young blueliner, all either near or NHL-ready. Without even shedding a single draft pick. My hat’s off to Brian Burke.
“Update: The Penguins have signed Brad Thiessen to a two year entry level contract. Thiessen played all 41 games for the Northeastern Huskies this season, finishing with a record of 25-12-4. He recorded a 2.12 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage while collecting three assists for the Huskies. His 2.09 goals-against average and .932 save percentage were a personal best during the Hockey East 2008-09 campaign.
Thiessen is a top three finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and just the second Huskies player to ever achieve that honor.”
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Brian-Metzer/Pens-Sign-Two-Including-Hobey-Hopeful-Brad-Thiessen/54/20439
Update #2: Contract details coming out per TSN. Bozak could stand to make nearly $4M/season if he hits all his bonuses.
Update #3: The Leafs and Canucks are the frontrunners to land Matt Gilroy per The Hockey News. Rumored asking price around $3M plus bonuses.
Always a pleasure,
Alex Tran
alex.tran@mapleleafshotstove.com
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Here’s a little video compilation of Thiessen’s play: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya5bgvwKSq8
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Thiessen would be a nice grab. Getting Gilroy as well just seems unlikely now, never have so many things gone right for the Leafs in such a short period of time, I just don’t believe it to be possible . lol
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
It would be unbelievable if Burke could grab both Gilroy and Thiessen. Certainly changes the depth of youngsters in the leafs organization. Great work by Burke & Staff!
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Gilroy and Thiessen would be icing on the cake. But if it didn’t happen i’m still very excited about Bozak and Hanson. It’s great to see some credibility returning to one of the most, if not the most, storied franchise in the league. Has anyone heard if Bozak will get a few games in this year?
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:15 pm
I definitely think w’re overhyping Gilroy if we’re comparing him to a top 5 pick this year. He’s turning 25, I would hope he’s dominating the NCAA if he wants to even make the AHL at his age. Also with regards to that video Alex, at about 0:40 that was the worst giveaway I have ever seen, and I’ve watched McCabe all these years. Absolutely brutal.
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
If Burke can snag all 4, I will be thoroughly impressed.
I will sell my house behind enemy lines and move back to Toronto
…
ok maybe not, But I’ll still be impressed.
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
@Joe The Globe and Mail suggested that Bozak might play once he’s cleared medically and officially signed.
http://sports.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090403.wsptbozak0403/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I’ve had conversations with people at Mckeen’s … Gilroy is an interesting talent according to them .. I still maintain (because I haven’t seen him play much) that he could be a boy amongst men, in the college ranks, but I’ve been assured his skillset is just about NHL refined … good signs for whatever team nabs him.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Let it be so! Would love it!
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
“Update: The Penguins have signed Brad Thiessen to a two year entry level contract. Thiessen played all 41 games for the Northeastern Huskies this season, finishing with a record of 25-12-4. He recorded a 2.12 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage while collecting three assists for the Huskies. His 2.09 goals-against average and .932 save percentage were a personal best during the Hockey East 2008-09 campaign.
Thiessen is a top three finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and just the second Huskies player to ever achieve that honor.”
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Brian-Metzer/Pens-Sign-Two-Including-Hobey-Hopeful-Brad-Thiessen/54/20439
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
That f#$%$* sucks, looks like to odds of Gilroy are looking grim.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Shitty deal on Thiessen.
I read this somewhere, caught my eye:
“If this all sounds familiar, it should. Burke has successfully used the same formula before.
When Burke was GM in Anaheim, he set assistant GM David McNab loose on the U.S. collegiate scene. His work there was instrumental in helping the Ducks win their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2008.
Among key contributors to that championship season were undrafted collegiate free agents Chris Kunitz, Andy McDonald and Dustin Penner. All three contributed offensively, but perhaps more importantly in the new salary-cap NHL, they did not cost the Ducks draft picks and they were not relatively expensive to sign. That gave the Ducks the financial flexibility to bring in top players like Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer.”
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
What we do need to take from the Thiessen deal is that as far as I know, the Leafs were on his short list. That means Burke had an impact on this kid and that we were in it until the end. That’s all I ask, we can’t get every single free agent to come to Toronto, but as long as they’re considering it as an option then Burke is doing his job.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
what? why would he sign with pittsburgh?! they don’t need a goalie, they have fleury… if he was going to be a backup, why not come to toronto where he would have a chance at being the #1 after just 1 year? (or sooner if he outplayed toskala!)
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I was just thinking that too.. I imagine he decided he’d rather be a backup for the Penguins then shelled as a #1 with the Leafs….
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Trade in the works with Pens – Staal and the goalie for?
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Oh well, couldn’t win them all, alright, lets focus our free agent goalie attention on gustavsson.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Good move by the Pens to sneak in and grab him. Can’t have enough goaltending. At first I also thought, “Why the Pens,” but it’s a good move. If he turns out good, they could trade him no problem because he likely didn’t sign for too much. Maybe they’ll use him to try to get Kaberle from the Leafs or something….Or maybe I’m stretching.
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Holy crap.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs won the Tyler Bozak sweepstakes on Friday, signing the NCAA centre to a two-year entry level contract that could be worth almost $4 million per season if he achieves all bonuses.The 23-year old Regina, Saskatchewan native, who scored eight goals with 15 assists in 19 games with the University of Denver Pioneers, will not play for the Leafs this season.”
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=273615
Nearly $4M/season for Bozak if he hits all the bonuses! No wonder he chose Toronto.
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
“As for Gilroy, no team will be able to sign him until after the Frozen Four finishes next weekend, but it’s believed the Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks are the frontrunners in the Gilroy sweepstakes.
Any team wanting Gilroy will not only have to give him an opportunity to play right away, but will need the cap space to make it work. Because Gilroy is 24 years old, he’s not subject to the entry level salary stipulations, meaning he can sign for as much as one team is willing to pay him. That amount is believed to be somewhere in the $3 million range. And one sticking issue is it’s believed Gilroy would like the bulk of it in signing bonus.
“The money is just ridiculous,” one scout said.
Any team signing Gilroy to that kind of deal does so knowing there are risks involved. Gilroy has excellent offensive instincts, but many scouts are worried about his play in his own zone. And they need look no further than Fabian Brunnstrom to realize the jump to the NHL can often be a long and painful one, regardless of a player’s talent level.
Going into the Frozen Four, Gilroy has 36 points in 43 games, but he’s a mature player playing on a powerhouse team that often feeds on inferior opposition.
(On a personal note, I’ve watched four BU games on television this season and to these eyes, Terriers defenseman and Colorado Avalanche draft pick Kevin Shattenkirk will be by far the better NHL player. Lots of NHL scouts agree with that assessment.)
And one thing that really hasn’t been publicly discussed is the fact that Gilroy is older than Mike Green, Dion Phaneuf, Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, Kyle Quincey, Tobias Enstrom, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Alexander Edler and Kris Letang. Consider what those players would be doing if they were in the same situation as Gilroy.
“The problem is there’s only one ring under that glass and everybody wants it,” one scout said of Gilroy’s unrestricted free agent status. “You don’t want somebody else to get it because it might turn out to be very valuable someday.”
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/25002-.html
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Didn’t know we could sign Bozak for so much, I didn’t even realise entry level contracts could go so high with the addition of bonsuses. Nutty. Ah well, its worth it to have him in the system. Also, I’m sure those bonuses are not going to be easy to attain, he will have to work hard and I have no problem with that.
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Well the penguins signed Thiessen today.
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Ray Shero can f&#$% off! LOL Sigh.. Thiessen ;( But we shall get Gilroy!
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:26 pm
If Gilroy is in the $3 million range, BB needs to pass. Insanity needs to have left the building.
April 3rd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I have no problem if we sign Gilroy for 3mil, as long as it is signing bonus heavy, so a fairly low base salary with lots of bonuses that he will have to achieve, therefore if he doesn’t turn out, he doesn’t cost much.
April 4th, 2009 at 10:16 am
So how’s its been a ride and the season isn’t finished yet. Gilroy will be worth the bonuses. He agree with the update article that says he’ll be an impact on the team that gets him. And wanting it hopefully bonuses heavy, shows that he’s willing and wanting to earn his keep; naturally signs of a good work ethcis.
April 4th, 2009 at 11:51 am
If we can’t get Thiessen…..another player that’s a free agent and goaltends for the Windsor Spitfire…..Andrew Engelage……a little younger but could have alot of upside with a season in the AHL……another free pick.
Gp | Min | GA | G.A.A| W | L | T | SVS | Pct. | EN | SO
—————————————————————————–
54 3086 121 2.35 46 4 1 1294 0.914 1 5
Looks like a diamond in the rough, to pick up.
April 4th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Does where the stats for 2008/2009.
6’5 – 206lbs – Shoots (left) and idiolizes Luongo.
April 5th, 2009 at 12:19 am
Well, if it’s free agent goalies the Leafs are looking to sign, the team might as well go to the European route. The Swedish league is by and large done, and there are plenty of goalies there to take a gander. This isn’t foreign territory to Brian Burke either, since current Anaheim Ducks goaltender Jonas Hiller was an European import signed by Burke. Guys like recently NHL.com featured Jonas Gustavsson, for example.
December 27th, 2009 at 4:53 am
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