Add Tyler Bozak to the list of players the Toronto Maple Leafs are willing to part with.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs are actively trying to move the center.
He has three years remaining on his deal with a cap hit of $4.2 million.
The Globe and Mail reported this week that team president Brendan Shanahan has received approval from ownership to put the club through a full rebuild. The move would mean building through the draft and long-term projects instead of short-term solutions through trades and established players.
Pending unrestricted free agents Daniel Winnik, Mike Santorelli and Cody Franson are also available according to previous reports.
Forward Phil Kessel seems resigned to the fact he could be dealt.
Following the Leafs’ 3-2 loss to the Islanders on Thursday night he said, “I go where they want me. I love Toronto. If it’s not here, it’s not here.”
Hockey insider Darren Dreger reported earlier this week that the Leafs would be prepared to part ways with captain Dion Phaneuf and Kessel, but added because of the term remaining on their respective deals a move at the trade deadline would be unlikely.
Phaneuf is expected to miss up to another week with his hand injury, which could also scare off teams at the deadline.
Dreger added both could be moved in the offseason when teams have more room to play with.
The Leafs have just one playoff appearance in nine seasons. If Shanahan is to do things his way, it could be at least a couple more years without postseason hockey in Toronto.
