he will NOT sign that type of contract UNLESS you add performance bonuses.

The guy can play no need to low ball the guy.
- zazzle

he's not eligible for performance bonuses.

I wish the NHL allowed it for all players, but it's only for youngsters, oldies(35+) and very oft-injured players(not sure what the exact numbers are, but you had to have missed so many games in the previous season)

It is very clear to me that Bozak is not coming back to Toronto. The Bolland trade essentially spelled the end. Grabovski is overpaid, but not by a TON, about a million or so. He can score, he can set up plays and he is a feisty warrior. Once Lecavalier went off the market, there are simply no "better" options out there then Grabovski, although there are several comparables. They will keep him for another year and see if he rebounds. If he does, he may be kept or traded, my guess is that he will rebound and do well enough to be traded. If he doesn't, he's bought out. Bozak is done in Toronto and whoever signs him for his big payday is going to be in the same situation that Toronto currently is with Grabovski (hoping he will play well enough to be traded).

I love people who say 'trade phaneuf for nothing'. Clearly you have no hockey knowledge at all. Did you watch the finals or do you only watch the leafs? What happened to Chara when he was burned out like Dion was? He was something like a -7 and on for 9 of the last 10 hawks goals. Dion has no support, plays 1st line everything. If we trade him, who takes on ovie? or malkin? Gardiner? Franson? Dion makes more mistakes than anyone since he is on the ice more than anyone. Get him some support and watch his game improve.

As for bozak, i agree he's not worth $4-$5 mil but it doesn't matter what we think, the market sets the price. If you stick with your principals of not paying a guy what you feel he is worth, someone else will. And that doesn't mean that a replacement will be available down the road, as we have seen many times before. Bozak is NOT stajan (who sucks at every single facet of the game). Bozak led our forwards in icetime, won 3rd most faceoffs in the league, is on the PK and PP and while he lacks physicality, he is a very smart player (which is sometimes better than being skilled; see grabovski). Point is we could get weiss, we could get riberio but who knows how they fit in. With bozak, you know what you have and price tag aside, few leaf fans had issues with him last year. I'd take bozak over grabo any day at the same contract value

I love people who say 'trade phaneuf for nothing'. Clearly you have no hockey knowledge at all. Did you watch the finals or do you only watch the leafs? What happened to Chara when he was burned out like Dion was? He was something like a -7 and on for 9 of the last 10 hawks goals. Dion has no support, plays 1st line everything. If we trade him, who takes on ovie? or malkin? Gardiner? Franson? Dion makes more mistakes than anyone since he is on the ice more than anyone. Get him some support and watch his game improve.

As for bozak, i agree he's not worth $4-$5 mil but it doesn't matter what we think, the market sets the price. If you stick with your principals of not paying a guy what you feel he is worth, someone else will. And that doesn't mean that a replacement will be available down the road, as we have seen many times before. Bozak is NOT stajan (who sucks at every single facet of the game). Bozak led our forwards in icetime, won 3rd most faceoffs in the league, is on the PK and PP and while he lacks physicality, he is a very smart player (which is sometimes better than being skilled; see grabovski). Point is we could get weiss, we could get riberio but who knows how they fit in. With bozak, you know what you have and price tag aside, few leaf fans had issues with him last year. I'd take bozak over grabo any day at the same contract value
- clark_griswold

Bozak definitely isn't Stajan.

Stajan put up 50+ points.

Twice. Without a full season of Kessel.

Now, I like Bozak more than Stajan. But Stajan definitely had him beat in the offense department... and was never insane enough to ask for what Bozak's asking.

think you guys are too hard on Grabovski, yeah, his cap hit is a little too high, but if he scored 20 points a year more in than last few seasons (excluding the shortened season of course) he'd be underpaid, compared to the salaries around the league.

Bozak isn't worth $5 mill a year but he's better than the comparable players that were listed in the blog, (Stajan?) plus he's a nice fit on this team, you can take a better player, drop him in your top 6 & he has trouble meshing with line mates, the system, etc.

as well as the "throw Phaneuf in the trash" talk

Bozak definitely isn't Stajan.

Stajan put up 50+ points.

Twice. Without a full season of Kessel.

Now, I like Bozak more than Stajan. But Stajan definitely had him beat in the offense department... and was never insane enough to ask for what Bozak's asking.
- Feeling Glucky?

Stajan did put up more points, but that's about it. He doesn't do any one individual thing well: hit, pass, shoot, fight, block shots, etc. He had a fluke season or 2 like Brian Savage or Raycroft. I'm not saying Bozak is elite, i'm saying he is useful with certain skills that are not noticeable but very effective. Stajan has pretty much the same points with less goals in the 4 years he's been in calgary that Bozak does in the last 2. And Stajan did ask for Bozak money, $4 million a few years ago is easilly more than $5 million by today's NHL standards.

I love people who say 'trade phaneuf for nothing'. Clearly you have no hockey knowledge at all. Did you watch the finals or do you only watch the leafs? What happened to Chara when he was burned out like Dion was? He was something like a -7 and on for 9 of the last 10 hawks goals. Dion has no support, plays 1st line everything. If we trade him, who takes on ovie? or malkin? Gardiner? Franson? Dion makes more mistakes than anyone since he is on the ice more than anyone. Get him some support and watch his game improve.

As for bozak, i agree he's not worth $4-$5 mil but it doesn't matter what we think, the market sets the price. If you stick with your principals of not paying a guy what you feel he is worth, someone else will. And that doesn't mean that a replacement will be available down the road, as we have seen many times before. Bozak is NOT stajan (who sucks at every single facet of the game). Bozak led our forwards in icetime, won 3rd most faceoffs in the league, is on the PK and PP and while he lacks physicality, he is a very smart player (which is sometimes better than being skilled; see grabovski). Point is we could get weiss, we could get riberio but who knows how they fit in. With bozak, you know what you have and price tag aside, few leaf fans had issues with him last year. I'd take bozak over grabo any day at the same contract value
- clark_griswold

your a wise man!
I just think Grabovski is a little better than that, yes, his game needs refinement! but his skill level is required & can make others around him better if he refines his game.

Stajan did put up more points, but that's about it. He doesn't do any one individual thing well: hit, pass, shoot, fight, block shots, etc. He had a fluke season or 2 like Brian Savage or Raycroft. I'm not saying Bozak is elite, i'm saying he is useful with certain skills that are not noticeable but very effective. Stajan has pretty much the same points with less goals in the 4 years he's been in calgary that Bozak does in the last 2. And Stajan did ask for Bozak money, $4 million a few years ago is easilly more than $5 million by today's NHL standards.
- clark_griswold

Bozak is very important in other facets of the game & gives you more intangibles, everyone thinks it's easy (oh lets get Weiss, Ribero, etc), to mesh with certain players as well as doing a lot of the dirty work that doesn't show in the stats

your a wise man!
I just think Grabovski is a little better than that, yes, his game needs refinement! but his skill level is required & can make others around him better if he refines his game.
- puckhead17

I think grabo is skilled beyond belief, and he show alot of balls last year in the playoffs. Having said that, it's easy to look for the flasy / stand out plays like grabo constantly had, while ignoring he was -10. I'd be fine with grabo over bozak, other than the fact that he can't play with kessel (not my opinion, but they never seem to put them together. I think it's worth a shot but what do i know). That leaves kadri at 1, grabo at 2. IF we brought back bozak, it's bozak at 1, kadri at 2. Much better for all IMO.

I think Grabo gets this next season to get back to where he was, and I bet he returns to form.

Bolland/McClement will get the checking line centre roles, and Grabo can be used on the 2nd line in an offensive role again.

Bozak will not be back in Blue and White, and I think Kadri starts the season as the 1C. Though don't tell him or his agent that before he signs his next contract.

Adam Kirshenblatt: The Stajan... err Bozak Negotiations
- MasWE

entire argument is out of whack.

first - it is difficult to compare Grabovski and Bozak as players - they are very different in how they play the game - always will be.

second - Bozak does have leverage - because he ISN'T Lombardi, who is much more similar to Grabovski in style than Bozak. Bozak simply put is a far better all round player.

third - Stajan comparisons are just plain stupid. While Bozak may not be physical force, he doesn't shy away from contact. Stajan was and always has been easily intimidated. Stajan is nothing close to an explosive skater, whereas Bozak has quite quick first step or two.

If find it interesting how so many non Leaf fans and watchers have so much to say about a lowly Leaf player, who never has accomplished anything on a team that is generally viewed around the league as weak.

The Leafs are certainly not a stanley cup contender and are more than a few pieces away from being one. That being said this player was put beside Kessel a few years back when Phil was rather less commited to playing the game at both ends of the ice - and bluntly stated that is where the large minus numbers come from.

I suspect, that if the fan base who are ripping on Bozak heavily were to objectively look at his contributions - both statistically and from in-game observations you would find a player who has a lot more in common with Patrice Bergeron, who gets way less love from the Boston fanbase than he should, than he is like Matt Stajan.

Now before anyone blows there head off I'm not saying Bozak is anywhere near as big a contributor as Bergeron, but he's closer to Bergeron than he is to Stajan. The Lombardi comparisons are just a joke.

STop being emotional about a player, making just plain dumb comparisons and comments about his abilities because he has "apparently asked for too much money". What is he supposed to do - offer to sign for 1M?

I think grabo is skilled beyond belief, and he show alot of balls last year in the playoffs. Having said that, it's easy to look for the flasy / stand out plays like grabo constantly had, while ignoring he was -10. I'd be fine with grabo over bozak, other than the fact that he can't play with kessel (not my opinion, but they never seem to put them together. I think it's worth a shot but what do i know). That leaves kadri at 1, grabo at 2. IF we brought back bozak, it's bozak at 1, kadri at 2. Much better for all IMO.
- clark_griswold

Maybe if they tried Grabbo on the wing? less roaming not as much responsibility?

I think this team will be 1/2 changed by october, it seems Nonis is making his mark that it's his team not Burkes

Bozak is very important in other facets of the game & gives you more intangibles, everyone thinks it's easy (oh lets get Weiss, Ribero, etc), to mesh with certain players as well as doing a lot of the dirty work that doesn't show in the stats
- puckhead17

exactly.

I love people who say 'trade phaneuf for nothing'. Clearly you have no hockey knowledge at all. Did you watch the finals or do you only watch the leafs? What happened to Chara when he was burned out like Dion was? He was something like a -7 and on for 9 of the last 10 hawks goals. Dion has no support, plays 1st line everything. If we trade him, who takes on ovie? or malkin? Gardiner? Franson? Dion makes more mistakes than anyone since he is on the ice more than anyone. Get him some support and watch his game improve.

As for bozak, i agree he's not worth $4-$5 mil but it doesn't matter what we think, the market sets the price. If you stick with your principals of not paying a guy what you feel he is worth, someone else will. And that doesn't mean that a replacement will be available down the road, as we have seen many times before. Bozak is NOT stajan (who sucks at every single facet of the game). Bozak led our forwards in icetime, won 3rd most faceoffs in the league, is on the PK and PP and while he lacks physicality, he is a very smart player (which is sometimes better than being skilled; see grabovski). Point is we could get weiss, we could get riberio but who knows how they fit in. With bozak, you know what you have and price tag aside, few leaf fans had issues with him last year. I'd take bozak over grabo any day at the same contract value
- clark_griswold

thanks Mr Griswold... bang on

entire argument is out of whack.

first - it is difficult to compare Grabovski and Bozak as players - they are very different in how they play the game - always will be.

second - Bozak does have leverage - because he ISN'T Lombardi, who is much more similar to Grabovski in style than Bozak. Bozak simply put is a far better all round player.

third - Stajan comparisons are just plain stupid. While Bozak may not be physical force, he doesn't shy away from contact. Stajan was and always has been easily intimidated. Stajan is nothing close to an explosive skater, whereas Bozak has quite quick first step or two.

If find it interesting how so many non Leaf fans and watchers have so much to say about a lowly Leaf player, who never has accomplished anything on a team that is generally viewed around the league as weak.

The Leafs are certainly not a stanley cup contender and are more than a few pieces away from being one. That being said this player was put beside Kessel a few years back when Phil was rather less commited to playing the game at both ends of the ice - and bluntly stated that is where the large minus numbers come from.

I suspect, that if the fan base who are ripping on Bozak heavily were to objectively look at his contributions - both statistically and from in-game observations you would find a player who has a lot more in common with Patrice Bergeron, who gets way less love from the Boston fanbase than he should, than he is like Matt Stajan.

Now before anyone blows there head off I'm not saying Bozak is anywhere near as big a contributor as Bergeron, but he's closer to Bergeron than he is to Stajan. The Lombardi comparisons are just a joke.

STop being emotional about a player, making just plain dumb comparisons and comments about his abilities because he has "apparently asked for too much money". What is he supposed to do - offer to sign for 1M?
- BorjeFan4Ever

totally agree! I'm not a Leafs fan either, but there's more to "winning" hockey than Cosby & Malkin scoring, scoring, scoring etc
Although most would take one of the above listed players in a second, ask the Penguins how you win playing river hockey


edit, do most think "see ya Bozak & Grabbo" because Bolland fills either of those rolls easily?

Just thought of this, but what does Kadri and his agent start asking for if Bozak walks and/or Grabo is traded?

Instant leverage on his part if either or especially both those guys are gone.

entire argument is out of whack.

first - it is difficult to compare Grabovski and Bozak as players - they are very different in how they play the game - always will be.

second - Bozak does have leverage - because he ISN'T Lombardi, who is much more similar to Grabovski in style than Bozak. Bozak simply put is a far better all round player.

third - Stajan comparisons are just plain stupid. While Bozak may not be physical force, he doesn't shy away from contact. Stajan was and always has been easily intimidated. Stajan is nothing close to an explosive skater, whereas Bozak has quite quick first step or two.

If find it interesting how so many non Leaf fans and watchers have so much to say about a lowly Leaf player, who never has accomplished anything on a team that is generally viewed around the league as weak.

The Leafs are certainly not a stanley cup contender and are more than a few pieces away from being one. That being said this player was put beside Kessel a few years back when Phil was rather less commited to playing the game at both ends of the ice - and bluntly stated that is where the large minus numbers come from.

I suspect, that if the fan base who are ripping on Bozak heavily were to objectively look at his contributions - both statistically and from in-game observations you would find a player who has a lot more in common with Patrice Bergeron, who gets way less love from the Boston fanbase than he should, than he is like Matt Stajan.

Now before anyone blows there head off I'm not saying Bozak is anywhere near as big a contributor as Bergeron, but he's closer to Bergeron than he is to Stajan. The Lombardi comparisons are just a joke.

STop being emotional about a player, making just plain dumb comparisons and comments about his abilities because he has "apparently asked for too much money". What is he supposed to do - offer to sign for 1M?
- BorjeFan4Ever

Everything you said here is 100% true. People will laugh when they see bozak as 'physical' but he did bulk up last year, and you don't have to be a punisher, as long as you are willing to be punished.

And i've used that comparison before - Bozak is a POOR man's (stress) bergeron.

Everything you said here is 100% true. People will laugh when they see bozak as 'physical' but he did bulk up last year, and you don't have to be a punisher, as long as you are willing to be punished.

And i've used that comparison before - Bozak is a POOR man's (stress) bergeron.
- clark_griswold

Agreed!

I remember long before the lockout Keith Primeau holding out in Carolina before his trade to Philly, his $$$ argument was if the superstars get paid $10 million a year, then he's worth the $5 million a year he was asking for, arguing that even being 1/2 the player, when you look at Bozak's situation in comparison it makes you wonder.

At least Leaf Land can take a breather with Danny Briere. Leafs don't want him, Leaf Nation doesn't want him. His best days are CLEARLY over. For Philly's sake, that had better not be the case with Vinny. After tha failure with Bryz, there taking a big risk here.

Everything you said here is 100% true. People will laugh when they see bozak as 'physical' but he did bulk up last year, and you don't have to be a punisher, as long as you are willing to be punished.

And i've used that comparison before - Bozak is a POOR man's (stress) bergeron.
- clark_griswold

Bozak needs a haircut...that's all I gotta' say.

Bozak needs a haircut...that's all I gotta' say.
- Woderwick

Aswell as a reality check for his outrageous contract demands.

At least Leaf Land can take a breather with Danny Briere. Leafs don't want him, Leaf Nation doesn't want him. His best days are CLEARLY over. For Philly's sake, that had better not be the case with Vinny. After tha failure with Bryz, there taking a big risk here.
- GCHonda

Philly seems to be trying to copy the NY Rangers model by getting all of the older big UFA names to sign (and trying for the big RFA names as well) But the team seems to get progressively worse.

Philly seems to be trying to copy the NY Rangers model by getting all of the older big UFA names to sign (and trying for the big RFA names as well) But the team seems to get progressively worse.
- vermie22

Because sucking for 5/6 years & draft in in the top 5 along the way isn't in there best interest. I don't agree with all their moves but at least winning is a priority, it just backfires sometimes.

Edit, isn't Clarkson looking at Toronto? He's asking for $6 million a year.

Because sucking for 5/6 years & draft in in the top 5 along the way isn't in there best interest. I don't agree with all their moves but at least winning is a priority, it just backfires sometimes.

Edit, isn't Clarkson looking at Toronto? He's asking for $6 million a year.
- puckhead17

He may be looking at us, but at that price we better not be looking at him.

Philly seems to be trying to copy the NY Rangers model by getting all of the older big UFA names to sign (and trying for the big RFA names as well) But the team seems to get progressively worse.
- vermie22

I bet that's what Philly GM Holmey sold Vinny on. The old cliche " come to Philly, were going to try to win now". Vinny never would go to a team that's re-building. But that's exactly what where Philly was last year. Guess there changing their blue-print. Be warned Coturier & B. Schenn, have your bags packed & ready cause Philly needs defense & a goalie.