Report: “50/50 Chance” That Bozak Is Traded

Oh yeah, that’s the stuff.

The Toronto Maple Leafs might be moving Tyler Bozak before the March 2nd trade deadline, with Bob McKenzie characterizing it as a 50/50 shot during an appearance on TSN 1050. Though it likely won’t happen unless someone steps up and offers fair value. To be honest, I’d be down with “close-to-fair” value, if only to get rid of that contract. 

There’s value alone in shedding $4.2M in cap space for the next three seasons. If teams interested in Antoine Vermette, especially those who are looking to resign him, are considering giving up something insane like a first round pick and a prospect, the Leafs can swoop in there and shop Bozak as a cheaper alternative. 

One of your organization’s top prospects? That’ll do. A first round pick? Sure, if that’s what you want to pay. Really, the Leafs should be interested in any deal that sheds salary and brings in assets. Bozak has enough value that he can get you some assets.

Of course, it’s never really that simple. Even though McKenzie thinks a move is likely, he did point out that the Leafs will need warm bodies to fill out their roster next season…

C’mon. The Leafs could easily roll out Nazem Kadri and Peter Holland as their top two centres next season and pick up another cheap pivot in free agency for less money and term than Bozak. 

Needing players for the 2015-2016 season is not a good enough reason to hold on to one of the most dramatically miscast players in the entire league.