Murray scouts Weircioch's teammate

Tyler Bozak is apparently the mystery player that Murray wanted to scout first hand. He plays for Denver in the NCAA and is under the same conditions as Jesse Winchester was, he can't be signed until after the NCAA season is over.

He's a smaller player at 6 feet, 185, but has skills and loves to distribute. In 17 games this year he has 21 points. Speed is a key component for him. NHL scouts who have been watching him play say that he's finally ready for a top 6 role in the NHL.

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83925

His size is not accurate there BTW.

Interesting to see how this plays out.

ummmm...is there light at the end of our troubled tunnel?

Cronenbergfan wrote:ummmm...is there light at the end of our troubled tunnel?

Of course. Problem is the tunnel is getting longer and longer right now.

marakh wrote:

Cronenbergfan wrote:ummmm...is there light at the end of our troubled tunnel?

Of course. Problem is the tunnel is getting longer and longer right now.

Not to mention crowded....Every team will be gunning for him. Ottawa's advantage, they can prove (through the Winchester experiment) that they not only can offere decent money, but will also play him should he make the team. Also he has a team mate who will play for Ottawa so another plus.

Cronenbergfan wrote:ummmm...is there light at the end of our troubled tunnel?

Yes sir. Get to the off-season. Arm ourselves with the 3 1st rounders we have (we'll get another one for Vermette and Kuba). And pray that we can get into the top 5 and get a real prospect.

Then...sign someone blah blah blah...

Dawg's Wife wrote:

marakh wrote:

Cronenbergfan wrote:ummmm...is there light at the end of our troubled tunnel?

Of course. Problem is the tunnel is getting longer and longer right now.

Not to mention crowded....Every team will be gunning for him. Ottawa's advantage, they can prove (through the Winchester experiment) that they not only can offere decent money, but will also play him should he make the team. Also he has a team mate who will play for Ottawa so another plus.

Excellent point. Maybe that narrows the field from about 30 teams to 10 hopefully.

Work that Murray-magic!

We all know how well Murray is at finding players out of College/University, look what he did in Anaheim.

I'd like to highlight this area of Bozak's accomplishments: 06-07 Victoria Grizzlies, 45 G 83 A for 128 pts in 59 gp... :O

Bryan Murray likes players who improve over the years. His stats are sexy year after year.

This was discussed last night at the intermission. McKenzie stated he could become a bonafide 2nd line center but 29 other teams are also after him. Lets hope Murray can pull another rabbit out his hat and more depth here.

As mentioned, there are factors on our side:
- Opportunity to play with Patrick Wiercioch
- Fills Ottawa's need of a #2 center
- Chance to play for a Canadian team

One thing that might be a deal breaker is how Ottawa finishes in the season. If we don't make the playoffs, is that a deterrent?

Imagine if our 2nd line had Winchester-Bozak on it? I think Rifleman is deserving of top 6 minutes - he is strong on his feet, has good puck control, great hockey instincts, very poised and calm.

It's never a bad idea to add these players. Winchester is probably one of the best bargains in the league.