It’s that time of year when teams who have been eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin to prepare for the off-season. For some, it’s relatively straightforward. For others, it can be complicated.
The Toronto Maple Leafs fall into the latter category. With a few notable contracts nearing their conclusions, the front office will have some tough decisions to make over the next few months.
Speaking on the Sportsnet Hot Stove with Dan Riccio and David Singh, Gare Joyce believes that while Bozak exceeded expectations and has a favourable contract to trade away, parting ways with the centreman could depend on who the Leafs value in their farm system.
“Whether you tie your wagon to him is something where you’re going to have to look down in your system and say ‘how long do we need him to hold down a position before someone in development is going to step in? I don’t know what the market for him would be out there. It’s so hard to project at this point.”
Joyce also says that Bozak deserves immense credit for his performances throughout the year and for fighting through the pain he dealt with at times.
Bozak’s current five-year contract expires at the end next season. The 31-year-old has a $4.2-million cap hit.
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