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New York Islanders Third Line Center Free Agent Options

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 22: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders reacts during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on January 22, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Islanders 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 22: Brock Nelson #29 of the New York Islanders reacts during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on January 22, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Islanders 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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ORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 10: Tyler Bozak #42 of the Toronto Maple Leafs gets set for a faceoff against the Ottawa Senators during an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on February 10, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Senators 6-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Tyler Bozak | Toronto Maple Leafs

With the Toronto Maple Leafs needing to sign up parts of their future core this season they seem to be destined to part ways with former core players. That includes Tyler Bozak.

The former first line center for the Leafs has understandably fallen in the Leafs pecking order behind Auston Matthews and Nazem Kadri. And look, Bozak isn’t a first line player. But he’s a great option for the third line.

He put up 42 points through 81 games this season. He added a 53.3 percent 5on5 Corsi-for rating this season. And had a 53.6 percent faceoff win ration.

All are better than what Brock Nelson put up this season. Nelson had 35 points. A low Nelson hasn’t produced since his rookie year. He had a 45.5 percent Corsi-for. And you already know about his sub 50 percent faceoff efficiency.

If you were worried about Filppula being a 34-year-old then maybe Tyler Bozak being only 32-years-old would suit your fancy better?

There’s shouldn’t be a market to give Bozak an upgrade on his $4.2 million AAV from last season. Bozak might have to take a pay decrease, not a big one, but between $3.5 to $4 million could have it done.

Potential Contract: Two years, between $3.5 to $4 million

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