Mike Chambers has an article in the Denver Post about Tyler Bozak's expected return to the lineup next week if DU makes the Final 5. Bozak feels like he's ready to return now, but DU's doctors want to be extra cautious. (read entire article)
14 comments:
Anonymous
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I am curious to find out from DU fans the kind of impact they expect Bozak to bring. I know he is a good player but will he really be able to be that dynamic when he hasn't played in a game in a couple months. Thoughts?
Even if he comes back at 70% he's still one of the best players in the WCHA. He wins faceoffs, sets up beautiful passes, covers the other teams' best players & makes everyone around him better.
Most important he takes the load off Tyler Ruegsegger & Jesse Martin at center, makes linemates Luke Salazar & Joe Colborne all-league players and forces DU's opponents to use their best players when Bozak is on the ice.
I don't expect him to be 100%, but he'll make DU a very dangerous opponent.
I think the mere fact that Bozak is in the game will force the opposition to focus on him, given he has proven to be such a scoring threat. This may free up the other's on his line. It will be interesting to see what Gwoz does as far as shifting the lines around.
I am sure he will be rusty. The real question is will he return next year. Will most NHL teams want to see him play another season.
I don't think Bozak plays another season of college hockey. He's 22 now, and he's seen firthand the danger of injury without a contract. He'll still get plenty of NHL offers to jump.
Entry level NHL contracts are still relatively cheap for an NHL team at under a million per season.
I was wondering about the retro jerseys as well. Thanks for the info. I want to buy one those bad boys.
RE: Bozak
DG said it best--Bozak makes everyone around him better. His versatility is amazing. Playmaker, scorer, penalty killer, good on draws, can be physical etc etc. Even if he's a bit rusty he makes an impact. Plus, don't discount the emotional/mental lift he may provide when he returns after a long absence. His teammates will very likely feed off that.
So when Gwoz said on the post game show there was going to be a surprise, he was probably referring to Bozak returning week after next, is that correct?
If Kroenke and Crew have half a brain they'll make a big push for Bozak and some other young talent and veterans. They need more than just Stastny to rebuild the Money Pit that is now the Avalanche.
I'd prefer to see Bozak in a DU jersey next year, but if he does turn pro, I hope the Avs can sign him. They desperately need help in the face-off circle.
I think we should enjoy Bozak when he returns and hopefully he leads DU to Washington, DC. Swami hit the nail on the head with his comment. He has garnered a ton of press from teams needing immediate help like the Islanders, Maple Leafs and Ottawa. According to recent articles in the Denver Post when Ottawa was last in town, Patrick Wiercioch is supposedly talking him up with the Sens. Tyler is going to be able to choose the team he wants to join based upon who promises him immediate NHL ice time. The Avs, Isles, Leafs and Sens all fit that bill.
This would not be good for DU. Sure you are a lock in to the tourney but getting bozak back right during the tourney may not work out to well.
I do agree with the comments that he is a good player. I must agree with one of the posters who said he won't play college hockey anymore after this year. Who knows though...
14 comments:
I am curious to find out from DU fans the kind of impact they expect Bozak to bring. I know he is a good player but will he really be able to be that dynamic when he hasn't played in a game in a couple months. Thoughts?
Even if he comes back at 70% he's still one of the best players in the WCHA. He wins faceoffs, sets up beautiful passes, covers the other teams' best players & makes everyone around him better.
Most important he takes the load off Tyler Ruegsegger & Jesse Martin at center, makes linemates Luke Salazar & Joe Colborne all-league players and forces DU's opponents to use their best players when Bozak is on the ice.
I don't expect him to be 100%, but he'll make DU a very dangerous opponent.
I think the mere fact that Bozak is in the game will force the opposition to focus on him, given he has proven to be such a scoring threat. This may free up the other's on his line. It will be interesting to see what Gwoz does as far as shifting the lines around.
I am sure he will be rusty. The real question is will he return next year. Will most NHL teams want to see him play another season.
We're hearing the Avs may be making a strong push. They did wonders with Stastny, so that might be a credible rumor.
I don't think Bozak plays another season of college hockey. He's 22 now, and he's seen firthand the danger of injury without a contract. He'll still get plenty of NHL offers to jump.
Entry level NHL contracts are still relatively cheap for an NHL team at under a million per season.
Anyone know why the "retro jerseys" weren't worn Saturday night?
Turns out that the "Retro Jerseys" were introduced on Saturday night by DU's 60 Year Hockey Reunion Committee and modelled on TV by Mark Rycroft.
They will be worn by DU six times next season. The jerseys are freaking sweet, and are similar to DU's 68-69 unis.
They are red with yellow & white stripes on the sleeves and a simple small "DENVER" on the chest.
I'll post a pic tonight.
I was wondering about the retro jerseys as well. Thanks for the info. I want to buy one those bad boys.
RE: Bozak
DG said it best--Bozak makes everyone around him better. His versatility is amazing. Playmaker, scorer, penalty killer, good on draws, can be physical etc etc. Even if he's a bit rusty he makes an impact. Plus, don't discount the emotional/mental lift he may provide when he returns after a long absence. His teammates will very likely feed off that.
So when Gwoz said on the post game show there was going to be a surprise, he was probably referring to Bozak returning week after next, is that correct?
Didn't hear Gwoz's comments.
There was at least one retro jersey in Magness on Saturday night.
If Kroenke and Crew have half a brain they'll make a big push for Bozak and some other young talent and veterans. They need more than just Stastny to rebuild the Money Pit that is now the Avalanche.
I'd prefer to see Bozak in a DU jersey next year, but if he does turn pro, I hope the Avs can sign him. They desperately need help in the face-off circle.
I think we should enjoy Bozak when he returns and hopefully he leads DU to Washington, DC. Swami hit the nail on the head with his comment. He has garnered a ton of press from teams needing immediate help like the Islanders, Maple Leafs and Ottawa. According to recent articles in the Denver Post when Ottawa was last in town, Patrick Wiercioch is supposedly talking him up with the Sens. Tyler is going to be able to choose the team he wants to join based upon who promises him immediate NHL ice time. The Avs, Isles, Leafs and Sens all fit that bill.
I wonder how this fits into DU run at Broadmoor!!
http://blogs.denverpost.com/sports/2009/03/12/bozak-might-miss-entire-wcha-playoffs/
This would not be good for DU.
Sure you are a lock in to the tourney but getting bozak back right during the tourney may not work out to well.
I do agree with the comments that he is a good player. I must agree with one of the posters who said he won't play college hockey anymore after this year. Who knows though...
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