Perhaps we're looking at Tyler Bozak? Decent C, above 50% on draws, and quality PP guy. Slightly higher hit than Vermette (4.2) but is signed for a few more years. Not sure we can fit that right now, but not impossible. The writers are saying there's about to be a fire sale in Toronto, and he could be a good option for 3rd line C for the next few years. His plus/minus is not good but TOR has been so bad in their own end for so long, hard to put that all on him. He's also played with Kessel the past few years who can't even spell defense. He wouldn't be a bad guy to target. I bet they'd be interested in a guy like Hagelin who can actually play some defense.
Damien Cox of Sportsnet: The Maple Leafs will be sellers at the deadline with the No. 1 priority being to clean up their cap situation and create some flexibility. They are opening up contract talks with Mike Santorelli and Cody Franson to see if they can lock them up beyond this season. David Clarkson’s contract makes him untradeable and it’s immune to buyouts due to the bonuses. My guess is Bozak is going somewhere, he has a reasonable hit and can bring them back a good return. I think they're going to be stuck with Phaneuf and Kessel. JVR is probably the only guy they don't want to trade. Hagelin would be a good player for them and is exactly what they need. No doubt we'd have to throw in more, but it's a start.
Bozak would be a solid 3rd line C. 20 goal 50 point guy. Move Hayes to the wing. Issue is though if you deal Hags you still are short on depth. Personally, I would still be surprised if we deal Hags unless it was for a clear big player, and I am not sure Bozak is on that level.
The Rangers are looking to add a bottom six center who can play both center and wing by the trade deadline. (LeBrun) The player would likely need to help the Rangers in the faceoff department. (LeBrun) Pierre LeBrun says that the Rangers main focus is on adding a bottom-six forward but could look to add a defenseman if the “price is cheap.” (LeBrun)
The New York Rangers are targeting a bottom-six forward, one who preferably could play both center and slide over to the wing, and obviously help in the faceoff department (the club is 29th in the NHL in faceoff win percentage at 46.3 percent). The Blueshirts could even add a depth blueliner if the price is right, but the No. 1 objective is finding that bottom-six forward.
because toronto is an absolute dumpster fire, they want everything gone so they can rebuild. I think the canes would like to keep most of their team intact, they are where they are because of bunch of injuries.
Injuries isn't the reason. The Canes suck. They have a total lack of talent on that team. Bozak is not a fit at all. He makes too much money at too many years. However, I was just looking at Komarov the other day. 53% on draws. However, they might be looking at Winnik. 29. He's 6'2 about 215. On a pathetic defensive team, he's a +14 which is just stupid when you look at the +/- of the other Leafs. Cheap contract. UFA next year. He would be a perfect fit. His faceoff % is about 49%. Still better than Hayes by a mile. His faceoff % seems to be taking leaps forward each year. He's the kind of big body, grinding forward you need in the playoffs.
Believe it or not. Toronto is a team that you could sell Glass on. Their locker room is a disaster and Glass is a great team a guy. His locker-room personality has always been top notch. The Leafs actually would benefit from him. I would think a Winnik for Glass, Allen and Fogarty package is something attractive to them. Allen would instantly be better than at least 2 of the rejects they use. They could either trade Phaneuf eating some of his contract or just send him to the stands and embarrass him for a while.
We all rip Glass but when you have a terrible locker-room, as useless as Glass is on the ice, he could help things off the ice a lot for that team. Make a good example for the young kids who are learning what to not do from idiots like Kessel and Phaneuf.
I mentioned Winnik numerous times both this offseason and earlier in the season when describing how much of a disaster the Glass contract is, and what else we could have done with that money. I wanted him badly. He would still be a great fit for the bottom 6 and has an expiring deal. However, it sounds like we're looking for a C who can also play wing, not necessarily a wing who can play C. Winnik is also not an experienced faceoff guy. Last season was the first season he ever won more than 80. He can help there for sure, but I'd look to add a true C first. Like a Vermette.
How many years is Bozak signed for? He'd definately be a nice offensive addition. And from the Canes it's most likely Tlusty who would also be useful.
After this year, he'd have 3 years left at 4.2m per. He's 28. That's not terrible for that type of player. Dump I saw in another thread that you'd like to sign Vermette if we got him in a trade...he'd cost more than that, and he's 4 years older. Bozak's deal isn't bad. The problem is because his deal is so reasonable, he's going to cost more. Whereas Vermette is a rental and you could get him without giving up an NHL roster player.
The only issue I might have with Bozak for that long is id' like to see them go after Eric Staal in 2016, as his price should be at least 20% less than he's making now, but Bozak or even Vermette for this year would be very helpful. Stepan/Bozak/Brass/Hayes is very solid.
I'd love E. Staal, we havent had a C like that in awhile. But with Step about to make 6, and Brassard already at 5, I dont think that is going to materialize.
I'd stay away from Phaneuf and Kessel........not team players. I'd focus on Canes' players. My main concern that Rangers need to secure depth......to really make a move.
