Leafs Sign College Pair

jalenrose#5 · Post #1 » by **jalenrose#5** » Fri Apr 3, 2009 4:09 pm

The Leafs have signed C Christian Hanson (yes that Hanson, son of Chiefs Dave Hanson) and Center Tyler Bozak. Both of whom can make the jump to the NHL next season without minor league seasoning if they so wish.

Burke essentially signed two mid to late first round picks and gave up nothing. This coupled with a top 10 pick in this years draft along with about 8-12 million to spend in the offseason, along with other trades, this leafs team could rebuild faster than everybody thinks.

Source: TSN.ca

jalenrose#5 · Post #2 » by **jalenrose#5** » Fri Apr 3, 2009 7:07 pm

Also, in related news, The Leafs are pursuing BU Defender Matt Gilroy (leads all D in scoring) and Northeastern Goalie Brad Theissen. Both of whom are up for the Hobie Baker Award for Top Hockey Player in College Hockey along with BU Center Colin Wilson.

Source: Bob McKenzie Blog TSN

juucer · Post #3 » by **juucer** » Fri Apr 3, 2009 11:03 pm

Great signings, but don't buy the hype that these guys are going to be elite superstars. They are similar to late 1st or 2nd round picks, so expect solid NHL players, but no Crosby, Ovechkin, Toews. Think more along the lines of Travis Zajac, David Booth, Ryan Kesler. But the best part about it is that nothing other than cap space was given up.

Apparently Bozak is a VERY similar player to Paul Stastny of Colorado (a 2nd rounder)... if this is the case, we've found a diamond in the rough.

J-Roc · Post #4 » by **J-Roc** » Sat Apr 4, 2009 5:43 am

Whatever happened to last year's diamond in the rough, Fabian Brunstrom?

Post #5 » by **Crowned** » Sat Apr 4, 2009 3:07 pm

If we can pry Gilroy and Theissen out of FA, I'll jump for joy. Theissen is EXTREMELY highly regarded out of college, and some say he'd be our immediate best goaltending prospect.

Post #6 » by **Crowned** » Sat Apr 4, 2009 3:10 pm

juucer wrote:Great signings, but don't buy the hype that these guys are going to be elite superstars. They are similar to late 1st or 2nd round picks, so expect solid NHL players, but no Crosby, Ovechkin, Toews. Think more along the lines of Travis Zajac, David Booth, Ryan Kesler. But the best part about it is that nothing other than cap space was given up.

Apparently Bozak is a VERY similar player to Paul Stastny of Colorado (a 2nd rounder)... if this is the case, we've found a diamond in the rough.

They're no superstars, far from it. If they pan out, I see a 2nd line ceiling for Bozak, and a 3rd line ceiling for Hanson.

I'm much more excited about Bozak than Hanson, though. You never know with college players, and how they'll pan out. We could come away with Gilroy, Hanson, Bozak and Theissen...and Hanson may be the best player out of the group when it's all said and done. It's really how they adjust to the NHL, whether it's the speed, intensity, pressure, whatever.

Post #7 » by **Crowned** » Sat Apr 4, 2009 3:37 pm

Ok, so Theissen signed with Pittsburgh. Sucks for us.

hugehoopsfan · Post #8 » by **hugehoopsfan** » Sat Apr 4, 2009 4:28 pm

Anyone updates on Gilroy?

Post #9 » by **Crowned** » Sat Apr 4, 2009 5:57 pm

Apparently we're one of the top teams on his list, and will likely pick the Leafs. I'm going strictly on rumours though.

Post #10 » by **MAS** » Sun Apr 5, 2009 4:08 am

Brad Theissen signed with Pittsburgh just so you guys know

RomaniaLuvTR · Post #11 » by **RomaniaLuvTR** » Thu Apr 9, 2009 8:33 pm

can`t wait to see bozak in action..we also want a swedish goalie jonas gustavsson who i like a lot

Ong_dynasty · Post #12 » by **Ong_dynasty** » Sun Apr 12, 2009 12:04 am

I quite new to the NHL..can someone explain why these players did not have to enter the draft?!?!and we can sign them outright?!

Post #13 » by **MAS** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 6:04 am

Ong_dynasty wrote:I quite new to the NHL..can someone explain why these players did not have to enter the draft?!?!and we can sign them outright?!

Basically they went through the draft already and no one picked them, went to college and tore it up so they are overage UFA's

_venom_ · Post #14 » by **_venom_** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:53 pm

Bad news... Matt Gilroy signed with the Rangers.