Rumor: Major upgrade over Bozak coming this summer?

It's been made pretty clear by now that Tyler Bozak's days in a Toronto Maple Leafs' uniform are numbered, as he is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer - and won't be re-signed.

The Leafs Nation writer Scott Maxwell listed 5 players who he believes could replace Bozak in the third line centre role - two of them are internal replacements, while three come out of free agency - but more on those guys later.

The internal replacements would be William Nylander or Miro Aaltonen. Nylander is currently playing wing, and has been on the fourth line more often than not over the last month, so it's unlikely that Nylander assumes that role any time soon. Aaltonen was signed out of the KHL but failed to make the team, as Mike Babcock chose to go with veteran players in Dominic Moore and Eric Fehr in the fourth line role.

With Bozak gone, it's possible that he fights for that open position.

The rest of the proposed options come out of free agency, with the most likely option being Mikael Backlund. The 28-year-old centre has averaged 50 points over his last two seasons and is on pace for 48 points this year with the Calgary Flames. He's a strong centre at both ends of the ice, providing good defense and very healthy production. With the offensive talent this team has on the wings, he could be a very solid addition should he hit the free agent market this summer.

The next option is Joe Thornton - it's unnecessary to describe his abilities, but will he follow former teammate Patrick Marleau to Toronto? It could be a very interesting option. Babcock loves him, and with the right pitch, he could make his way northeast.

The last option was probably a joke more than anything, although all Leafs fans would love it - John Tavares. It's really unlikely though - as he is a top flight centre and probably won't want to play second fiddle to Auston Matthews.

Who would you like to see replace Bozak next year?