Rumour: Penguins target Tyler Bozak with Crosby and Malkin on the sidelines

Tyler Bozak’s name has come out a few times this week. Out that of all the unrestricted free agents unclaimed by September, none averaged more points per game in 2021 than Bozak and that’s probably why Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the Pittsburgh Penguins are showing interest. 

In a quick blog on Sportsnet, Friedman reveals that the Penguins might be considering bringing Bozak on board. Especially with both star players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on the sidelines for the start of the season. 

“A couple clubs indicated they were expecting Tyler Bozak’s decision on where to play in the next few days. The 764-game veteran has a couple of options. Wonder if one is Pittsburgh, with both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin injured to start the year.”

It has also been rumoured that Montreal Canadiens’ Marc Bergevin had eyes on him after letting Jesperi Kotkaniemi walk to the Carolina Hurricanes and their offer sheet. 

Bozak would have to accept a significant pay cut from his 2020-21 salary of $5 million, but could be convinced by the Penguins or the Canadiens to continue killing penalties and winning face-offs. Why not trying to signing him to a professional tryout contrat (PTO)? 

The St. Louis Blues might try to keep him in a fold, though he might look for a change of scenery. 

Let’s keep an eye on this.