Penguins/NHL
A source tells Inside Pittsburgh Sports, the Penguins are in pursuit of college players with University of Denver’s Tyler Bozak among two others the Penguins are currently interested in or trying to sign. Read more for the latest
There is currently a bidding war going on for Denver University’s Tyler Bozak and the Penguins are in the middle of it. A well informed source tells me the Penguins are aggressively trying to sign the talented forward.
After being passed up during his draft elgible years, Bozak, 22, (6-1, 183 lbs) is on track to receive maximum entry-level free-agent money, about $1.8 million over two years, with the NHL team of his choice when he signs, the Denver Post reported in December
Bozak appeared in 19 games this year recording 23 points. He missed a chunk of the season with a left knee injury and had to opt for surgery to repair an meniscus. He is now near 100% health.
Many scouts compare Bozak to Colorado’s Paul Stastny and some believe he could be next year’s Fabian Brunnstrom. Bozak would likely make the Penguins roster coming out of training camp if he were to sign with the Penguins. There are a number of other teams in hot pursuit of Bozak.
Bozak is represented by Denver-based agent Kurt Overhardt
Scouting report courtesy of McKeen’s Hockey (September 2008)
Intelligent multi-dimensional center that was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team and was chosen All-WCHA Third Team .. skates well with the puck and utilizes his long strides to accelerate to his adequate top gear fluidly
Handles the puck well in traffic areas and can distribute passes in tight deftly from both sides of his stick .. scoring 18 goals this year, Bozak incisively finds the quiet areas around the net and can finish with his fast release.
displays exceptional puck smarts, Bozak always makes the correct play with the puck, whether it is attacking with the puck or being patient and waiting for the play to develop .. disguises his intentions before nearly every pass he makes
A complete player, Bozak is a savvy defender that has effectively checked some of the WCHA’s top centers and possesses the ability to transition his stellar defensive work into offensive opportunities heading the other way .. competitive and sturdy in scrums .. detailed player that is strong on draws
The Penguins have also been scouting Boston University’s Matt Gilroy and there is also some speculation that the Penguins are showing some interest in Notre Dame forward Christian Hanson who I know on a personal level and is from Venetia PA. Christian is the son of Dave Hanson who is one of the three Hanson brothers from the movie Slap Shot. I will try to get confirmation on whether the Penguins are actively trying to sign Hanson in the next 24 hours.
