Winger Tyler Bertuzzi, one of the Maple Leafs’ prominent pending unrestricted free agents, is now the focus of ongoing contract extension talks, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. While it’s too early to predict the outcome, both sides have shown mutual interest in reaching a new deal.
Last summer presented a unique situation for the 29-year-old Bertuzzi. Despite a down year, he was among the top unrestricted free agents, ranking in the top 10 of annual listings. This positioned him for a potential multiyear agreement and a raise on his previous $4.75M AAV.
However, the anticipated market did not materialize. Instead of accepting a lower-rate multiyear deal, Bertuzzi signed a one-year, $5.5M contract with Toronto on the second day of free agency. His strategy was to leverage a key role on the Maple Leafs’ strong offensive team to secure a better long-term deal in the future.
The season had a rocky start for Bertuzzi, who managed only nine points in his first 27 games despite playing in the top six. Nevertheless, he rebounded in the second half, ending the season with 21 goals and 20 assists in 80 games. He also tied for the team lead in playoff points with four.
Bertuzzi’s track record includes a notable 30-goal, 32-assist season in 2021-22 over 68 games, along with two other 21-goal campaigns. This history demonstrates his offensive capabilities, although not reaching the 30-goal mark again may affect his chances for a significant raise and long-term contract.
The Maple Leafs have around $18M in cap space this summer, according to CapFriendly. However, they need to sign several forwards, defensemen, and a goalie. This cap space offers some flexibility for a major signing, but the team must also allocate funds strategically. The next month will be crucial for the Leafs to determine if re-signing Bertuzzi fits their financial plans.
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