Jarrett, Glad to see that you see the value in Bozak. He could really flourish with a good or very good team. Bickell might waive his NTC to go to "near hometown" TO, though I still think he runs the possibility of being bought out.
Instead of the 1st round pick, the Leafs need RW. Maybe Hartman could be included.
The Leafs have two RFAs centres Kadri, and Holland plus Nylander next year at centre most likely next year. Good thoughtful trade.

Yeah I figure with Anisimov, Toews, and Kruger as the other centremen, Bozak's defensive deficiencies are much less significant. They could definitely use some secondary scoring.

I think any two of Chicago's prospects (not including Dano, Teravainen) and/or picks between 25-60 would make a deal feasible for both sides.

Jarrett. Don't think Bozak is deficient defensively. Was perceived to be i the previous years when at times he was the only forward on his line working in his own zone, (JVR sometimes, Kessell never). Bozak good face off guy and can PK

If you look at scoring chance against 5on5 this season Bozak is one of the worst on the team. And that's with very favourable usage. No other centre is starting a higher % shifts in the offensive zone than Bozak and he's never matched up against top lines, as Kadri has been lately. Even Babcock referred to his defensive game as "a work in progress".

I'd do the deal if some cap was taken. Doesn't have to be a ton, but that third year @ $4.2 really really hurts the Hawks plans. That's when Dano, Teuvo, & Panarin are due. As far as the quality of player he is...Hard to say. Every system is different. Stats would say Anisimov is having an ok year and Kruger a terrible year, but they're both tremendous Centers that do a lot more on "special teams". Anisimov ALWAYS cuts off the fast break counter. Huge aspect to consider. Kane/Panarin aren't exactly tough defenders yet they're still awesome 5on5. In the Hawks system Centers are the work horses and not the scorers. Even Toews (as far as pure scoring goes) isn't top 5. But Selke "like" is how they want their centers. The wingers do the scoring. If Bozak can score in bunches...I think it's a good move.

Depends on what stats you're looking at and how you're interpreting them. You can make a statistical argument that Kruger is having a great year. If you look at how he's used (largely starting shifts in the defensive zone), and scoring chances allowed when he's on the ice, it would seem to me he's having a great year. He's doing his job incredibly well. That being said, I don't catch a lot of Blackhawk games so I could be wrong.

Based on watching him over the past six or so years plus looking at his stats, my belief is that Bozak is a good offensive centre, will give you 50-60 points(over 82 games) on average, good on the PP, solid on faceoffs, not great in his own zone. Palhal, I hope you're right and I'm wrong, as it would only increase his trade value. A 50-60 point player who also is defensively responsible (and with a reasonable cap hit) would net a nice return.

Don't think the Leafs will retain on Bozak by the way. Limit is 2 players if I'm not mistaken and they have worse contracts to unload.

OK so yeah, I meant basic stats like points, +/-, etc... Kruger is still great on PK. Face offs dropped a little. I hear ya. I think you're spot on

Hi . exo: Think the limit is 3 for retained contracts. Hard to believe but the Leafs are looking at "near cap problems" in the next two years. Still carrying Robidas next year, Reilly is due for a big raise, Kadri a good raise, Holland if he's retained when his RFA is up, and right now, the Leafs are getting by on very inexpensive RWs. All this and hoping Horton remains on LTIR.