Leafs sign top college prospect

The Toronto Maple Leafs haven't won much this season, but they have landed the services of Tyler Bozak.

Bozak, considered one of the top free agents to come out of university hockey, signed with the Leafs on Friday, ending several days of speculation where the talented centreman would end up.

The 23-year-old native of Regina had eight goals and 15 assists in 19 games this season with the University of Denver Pioneers, his second season with the NCAA school. He missed more than half the year with a knee injury.

More than 20 National Hockey League teams were reportedly interested in signing Bozak, who went undrafted. Reports Thursday suggested he'd narrowed his choice to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Colorado and Anaheim.

Toronto GM Brian Burke said he was happy with the acquisition.

"We are absolutely thrilled that Tyler has chosen to sign with the Maple Leafs today," said Burke. "He is a young man that was coveted by a large number of teams in our league and it's our goal to help him reach his potential with our organization. He's a responsible player at both ends of the ice and he has shown the ability to put points on the board with his quickness at the collegiate level."

Bozak, who spent three seasons with Victoria of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League prior to joining the Pioneers in 2007-08, had 18 goals and 16 assists in his rookie college season.

Considered a strong two-way centre, Bozak is considered to have the potential to step into the NHL next season.