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Toronto Maple Leafs: Roman Polak set to join Dallas

By James Reeve

TORONTO,ON - FEBRUARY 21: Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets skates to check Roman Polak #46 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Air Canada Centre on February 21, 2017 in London, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Jets 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO,ON - FEBRUARY 21: Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets skates to check Roman Polak #46 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Air Canada Centre on February 21, 2017 in London, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Jets 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Roman Polak‘s time with the Toronto Maple Leafs appears to be coming to an end, with reports suggesting he will move to the Dallas Stars.

According to CBS Sports, Polak is on the verge of signing a one-year deal with the Stars, having spent the majority of the past four years with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

During his four-season spell with the team, which also saw him traded to the San Jose Sharks before returning in free agency, the Czech international played in 240 regular season games, registering 45 points (12 goals and 33 assists).

The 6 foot 2, 236 pounds right-handed defenceman has been a favourite of Leafs head coach Mike Babcock for his physical play and strong shot.

However, he has often come under fire from Leafs fans, due to his slow skating and poor decision-making in the defensive zone.

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Polak has been a serviceable third-pairing D-man in Toronto, but would most likely have found his position under threat from the likes of Travis Dermott, Calle Rosen and Andreas Borgman heading into the new campaign.

The fact that Polak is still able to play hockey is a testament to his resilience and determination to stay in the NHL, having had a career-threatening injury in the 2017 playoffs.

Having suffered a broken leg against the Washington Capitals, Polak needed 13 screws put into his leg.

Despite the odds, he managed to return to fitness and played 54 regular season and seven playoff games this past campaign, earning the Leafs’ nomination for the 2018 Bill Masterton Trophy.

The Dallas Stars will be adding a capable blue-liner who will likely play bottom-pairing minutes, but will also receive someone with true determination and likeability.

Polak will not produce much offensively, despite having a powerful shot. However, he will be an asset on the bottom end and the Leafs will now need some of their younger prospects to step up.

Next: JVR set to return to Philadelphia

What do you think Toronto Maple Leafs fans? Will you be happy to see Polak leave? Could he have been useful for the team moving forward? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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