If you think Tyler Bozak is underperforming for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, don’t tell Morgan Rielly.
On Friday, the rookie blueliner defended his teammate, who some believe still hasn’t proven himself to be a No. 1 centre in the NHL despite being in the midst of his best season as a pro.
“I don’t want to get into it about where he ranks in the league, but if you ask players here, he’s up there. He’s been outstanding all season. When he’s healthy and he’s playing, our team is totally different,” Rielly told reporters after practice. “I personally think he’s one of the top players in this league.”
Bozak missed some time earlier in the season with an oblique strain, but since returning to the lineup on Dec. 29 the Regina native has put up 26 points in 24 games and centred arguably the hottest line in the league.
The 27-year-old signed a five-year, $21-million contract last summer, and at the time many fans felt that price was too high. But, the Leafs are 12-9-3 without Bozak in the lineup compared to 21-14-5 when he plays this season.
Bozak has been reliable in the faceoff circle, in the defensive zone and has helped with the evolution of linemates Phil Kessel and James van Riemsdyk, who have 70 and 52 points, respectively.
“All the chirps he gets about not being this, not being that, I think it’s all stupid,” Rielly said. “I personally don’t know what more he has to do to get praise from other players and media, but that’s just my opinion.”
Among NHL centres that have played at least 40 games this season, only Sidney Crosby and Ryan Getzlaf average more even-strength points per game.
Bozak, who was signed by the Leafs in 2009 as an undrafted college standout, has 37 points in 40 games this season, which is 10 points shy of matching his career high.