Courtesy of Sportsnet:
“The Toronto Maple Leafs have won the race to sign highly-touted free agent forward Tyler Bozak from the University of Denver Pioneers, sources tell Sportsnet. A strong two-way centre, Bozak has been generating league-wide interest since his freshman year with as many as 25 NHL teams trying to get his name on a contract.”
“While he did miss a large chunk of this past season due to a knee injury, Bozak finished with eight goals and 15 assists in 19 games. He did return for the NCAA Tournament, recording a goal and an assist as his top-seeded Pioneers were upset 4-2 by Miami.
Passed over by NHL teams in his draft year, the 23-year-old Regina native is subject to entry level contract limits. Earlier this week, the Leafs signed another NCAA prospect in Christian Hanson. Son of Dave from “Slap Shot” movie fame, the 23-year-old inked a two-year deal with the Blue & White.”
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/04/03/leafs_bozak/
Props to Tyler himself who came on our distinguished website to break the news in the comments section:http://mapleleafshotstove.com/index.php/2009/04/02/race-for-tyler-bozak-in-the-final-stretch/#comments
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Lost the Wheeler sweepstakes. Lost the Brunnstrom sweepstakes. Illegally won the Frogren sweepstakes. At least things are starting to turn around here in Toronto, and players around the hockey world are starting to take notice. Here’s an interesting thought: I wonder if Tyler’s decision was at least influenced somewhat when he saw his fellow collegiate Christian Hanson sign on with the Leafs and just a few days later, is granted the opportunity to play top minutes with the team alongside their leading scorer (Jason Blake). Pretty shrewd move by Leafs management to really send that message out there to everyone.
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Sportsnet is the first source to report this so far, so I guess we’ll have to await confirmation from other outlets. Let’s hope this is not like the Ponikarovsky case where Sportsnet reported he had been traded to Nashville on trade deadline day for two picks.
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The 23 year old Bozak is described as a strong, two-way player with a complete all-around game similar to Matt Stajan or a Travis Zajac. He burst onto the scene with a 128 point campaign during his last season in the BCHL before making the jump over to the NCAA. He has been Denver’s best player for the better part of the last 2 seasons, on a team that includes Boston’s top prospect Joe Colborne and Toronto prospect Tyler Ruegsegger. No word yet on where or when Tyler will be suiting up for the Leafs, but it may make sense to stick him in between Hagman and Stempniak in order to keep the hot Kulemin-Grabovski-Ponikarovsky line untouched.
Here’s a short clip of Tyler showing off some soft hands and great skill:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkXg0idUkoY
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And now to officially start spreading “Bozo” as the next great nickname.
Always a pleasure,
Alex Tran
alex.tran@mapleleafshotstove.com
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April 3rd, 2009 at 6:22 am
Already have a story about this below!!
But good news none the less!!
April 3rd, 2009 at 6:41 am
When Brian Burke was first hired I recall some people saying he was the wrong man to pilot a rebuild. The apology line starts here.
Okay, Okay, I know there’s a long way to go yet. But so far Burkie has done nothing but vindicate my trust in him. It just feels so good to see this team actually have a plan!
April 3rd, 2009 at 6:50 am
This is the best news for the leafs in years, shows that the team is headed in the right direction. Neither of these two college kids signed are from Toronto, and both had tons of teams after them, yet they chose Toronto. I think we can finally feel optomistic about the future
April 3rd, 2009 at 7:33 am
NICE, damn this is starting to go the leafs way. So much for all our bad luck!
April 3rd, 2009 at 7:42 am
Brian Burke is a hero today!! Unbelievable stuff… I couldn’t have gotten better news on such a rainy day here in Mississauga. Bozak (done), Hanson (done)… Gilroy?? Burke has shown us fans that he can get the job done in terms of negotiating with players.
April 3rd, 2009 at 7:53 am
This is a new era for the Toronto Maple Leafs!! Burkie knows how to get a signature on the dotted line!! This gives us hope for the FA market this summer as well! Welcome aboard, Bozak!
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:03 am
Rainy here in Halifax too but I got a huge smile on. I think by showing he would put Hanson in right away showed his commitment to the two and thats what got him Bozak. Looks like Burke is getting the image back of people wanting to play here in Toronto again, and not just people wanting money. Its been 3-5 months now? not sure but since Burke took over he has made 3-4 moves, and about 5-6 smaller moves. Put them all together and hes 10-0 so far in my books!!!! Great job
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:25 am
I’m stunned. Bozak’s a player, I mean he can flat out play. This is a great addition. I like what BB is doing here, he cares and he wants to win. As Leafs fans we should all be excited. In the end Hanson and Bozak will determine what kind of players they will be in this league, but having them gives this team a better shot at a brighter future. Welcome guys and to Burke and company keep up the good work!
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:40 am
I admit I borrowed this from another poster, and on another board, but I was so impressed with this kid I had to re post it.
Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkXg0idUkoY
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:54 am
If you watch the video, you’ll see that this kid can score coming in from any angle, using all parts of the net, and in any traffic situation. Add to this scouts extolling his play making, and two-way skills, and I think we got our new and bigger Gilmour if he has the passion that Dougie exhibited. He’s a very exciting player, and I have high hopes for him as a Leaf. He just needs a few more pounds of muscle to protect him from the bigger NHL bodies. Welcome home Bozak!
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:56 am
It’s officially on TSN now!!!
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=273615
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:56 am
Great video…kid looks solid…looks like he plays a MEAN game!
*squeals like a girl and runs in circles*
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:08 am
Bozo as a nick name? I think you’re overlooking the obvious here … my vote goes to Ty-Bo!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:08 am
Hope it’s true. He’s probably the most skilled player in the NCAA, after Gilroy. Doesn’t look like Gilroy will be coming to T.O. tho…will be tough to fit in that contract. The rookie contract doesn’t apply to Gilroy I believe, so he may be out of reach.
What’s the chances someone from Sportsnet came to the comments section of the other Bozak article, saw a guy named “Tyler” say he signed with the Leafs, and then reported it as fact?
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 am
Oh, and Bozo is terrible nickname…it sounds like he’s some mindless mafia bodyguard or something
Bozak Attack! Hm? Ha? Yyyeeeaahhhh……..No?
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:13 am
Apparetnly it is true, never mind.
Love his hands, like how he throws the puck on net from everywhere, reminds of D.Moore with that swipe play coming aorund the net.
good times, and good signs for Leaf Fans!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 am
“Oh, and Bozo is terrible nickname…it sounds like he’s some mindless mafia bodyguard or something”
Or a clown…perhaps? I’d go with what Stef suggested. Ty-Bo is it!
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:33 am
“Doesn’t look like Gilroy will be coming to T.O. tho…will be tough to fit in that contract.”
Unless we sign him to a contract that takes effect after June the 30Th maybe?
The reason you haven’t heard anything about him yet is that, he’s still playing as we speak. His team is still in the playoffs. I think, or at least hope, Burke convinced him that we are a top destination. He put in a good effort with Gilroy.
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:50 am
Aye Blue Max – you’re right. And We have contracts expiring come July 1, 2009. That is if someone else doesn’t sign him first. NCAA playoffs will end well before that, and We may not have room. Hoping we do.
Also, If I’m not mistaken, due to his age (24) Gilroy is a UFA – with no rookie contract limitations. He can essentially sign anywhere, for any (stupid) amount.
This wil start a bidding war, we’ll see if the Leafs can swing him. My gut says no. Hope I’m wrong
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:56 am
As for Gilroy I would love to see him but not if we have to out bid other teams. We already have enough younger dmen who are starting to play great and we dont need to keep adding if the contracts dont make sence. I would like to see him here though so we will see what happens.
I also cant wait to see how other fans try and rip on the leafs signing Bozak. They ripped Hanson’s signing so Im curious to what will be said about this completly no lose situation
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:04 am
We can sign Gilroy as soon as he becomes available, no need to wait till july 1 for the expiring contracts. As long as you have enough expiring contracts you can sign guys. These contracts are for next year, and the Leafs have plenty of expiring contracts.
@Neil, We still have a very good chance at Gilroy, in fact we are considered the favorites. Burke confirmed yesterday that they are very much interested in Gilroy, but nothing can happen until he’s eliminated from the playoffs. The fact that he is 24, going on 25 in the fall and he’s not restricted to the rookie cap rules works in our favor. We have tons of cap space and tons of $$ and can fit him into the NHL immediately. Those 3 factors are huge for us, because the others that are interested are either short on capspace or can’t fit him in right away. Those that have those two areas covered can’t compete with the Leafs for $$.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:11 am
In Burke we Trust ,unbelievable just sit back and watch him get it done……….
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:13 am
Jordan – the ripping is baseless. It’s the Leafs, they’re from Toronto – damned if you do, damned if you don’t!
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:14 am
“I think we got our new and bigger Gilmour if he has the passion that Dougie exhibited” – Blue Max
lol, lets not get too carried away here.
“What’s the chances someone from Sportsnet came to the comments section of the other Bozak article, saw a guy named “Tyler” say he signed with the Leafs, and then reported it as fact?” – neil
zero, since all Tyler was doing was saying that sportsnet was reporting it.
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:15 am
Well Burn I hope you’re right…But it’s the Maple Leafs, and I’ve become comfortably numb (and used to being let down).
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Out of the outhouse en route to the penthouse gentlemen!! Thatta boy Burke!
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:20 am
just amazing !
bozak great signing!
but dont we have his teammate from the uni as well
tyler ruesegger!!!
check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iso8eStg60&feature=related
the future looks very promising and i cannot wait for camp next year !!!!
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 am
hahaha I actually looked for Tyler Bozak commenting.
Anyway, great news that the Leafs have added another young player. More lottery tickets = more chance at success.
But Bozo is a terrible nickname!
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Awesome. Cant complain about getting free prospects. BB is doing a great job so far.
April 3rd, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Sheesh tough crowd. Guess we don’t have a lot of Bozo the Clown fans here
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:00 pm
“The Toronto Maple Leafs have lassoed the top United States college free agent out there in Tyler Bozak.
The Leafs have agreed on a two-year entry level, plus bonuses, with Bozak. There were more than 20 teams interested in the Regina native. He narrowed down his choices to a shortlist of Toronto, Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche.
Bozak, 23, missed three months with a serious left knee injury and returned for one game a week ago, in which Denver was upset by Miami of Ohio in the NCAA regionals. He scored a goal and an assist in the 4-2 loss.
Whether he plays in any of the Leafs remaining five games will be determined by Toronto’s medical staff.”
http://sports.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090403.wsptbozak0403/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home
Hope we get to see him in some game action before the season’s over.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Now for the QMJHL. Dmitry Kulikov is winning all the awards, and Nicola Riopel could be worth a look for future “Pogge”
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Some tidbits from Darren Dreger:
Burke’s next target is Brad Thiessen – Northeastern goalie.
Bozak has not signed but has agreed on a contract (league approval) and will not play with the Leafs this season
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:31 pm
This is potentially a very good prospect and an excellent signing. I hope we can get gilroy too. The more we have, the better it will be because we need the depth. I think kaberle and kubina will be used as trade bait possibly to move up higher in the draft. I hate to admit this but BB is doing a great job. I also must get in the apology line.
BTW, Ty-Bo is a great nickname. We already have 1 clown in the league. Plays for the Sens.
April 3rd, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Glad to hear Burke’s going after a goalie too. I’ve heard some people boosting Thiessen here and there.
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
“Sheesh tough crowd. Guess we don’t have a lot of Bozo the Clown fans here” – Alex Tran
I was under the impression that nickname had already been taken by Alfredsson
April 3rd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
“CarltontheBear April 3, 2009 10:14 am
“I think we got our new and bigger Gilmour if he has the passion that Dougie exhibited” – Blue Max
lol, lets not get too carried away here.”
Hey, I’m the biggest Gilmour fan there is, and always had him at the top of my list when it came to Leaf players past and present. I got ripped at TMLFans for suggesting we should sign him the year he signed with the hated Habs, and I got ripped to shreds when I suggested he had more heart than Sundin could ever hope to have (not in those words though, lol).
But watching this kid on that YouTube video, and for whatever reason, just brought back memories of him. Like I said, and this is important, what he needs is Dougie’s passion, which, admittedly, will be almost impossible to match.
Don’t how how much reputation I got as a Leaf fan and amateur hockey critic, most likely not much, but I’m willing to stake whatever is left in calling this.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I dunno, if he is our new Dougie that would make him the best player this franchise has seen in over 10 years.
April 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm
its official now !
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
“I dunno, if he is our new Dougie that would make him the best player this franchise has seen in over 10 years.”
If he gets everything together, I can’t see why not. Don’t claim I know any better than any of you when it comes to evaluating players, but that video on YouTube has gotten me all excited about Bozak’s signing. This kid really score in any situation! Only idiots can have a hard time seeing his worth!
April 4th, 2009 at 5:20 am
I wish to apologize about the “idiots” comment. A few too many beers, and I got carried away. It wasn’t aimed at anyone in particular, but none the less, it should have never been there in the first place. I hope moderators can delete these two posts.