Will Mutual Interest Between Bertuzzi and Maple Leafs Lead to a Deal?
Despite no solid offer yet being made to the feisty forward, Tyler Bertuzzi has expressed a desire to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the team, in turn, wants to re-sign the top-six winger.
However, whether both sides can come to terms on a new contract remains to be seen.
“We’ve had productive talks,” said Todd Reynolds, Bertuzzi’s agent, on Tuesday. “But the player realizes that there are other areas for the team to address. We’ll see where it goes.”
Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving has multiple roster issues to tackle, either through free agency on July 1 or trades. This complexity likely explains why no solid offer has been made to Bertuzzi yet.
Key Areas for the Leafs to Address
- Goalie: Treliving needs to secure a significant netminder to pair with Joseph Woll.
- Defense: There is a potential to add up to three defensemen. Currently, the Leafs have Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, and Simon Benoit under contract for 2024-25. Timothy Liljegren is a restricted free agent eligible for arbitration.
- Forward: A third-line center is needed, whether it’s Max Domi or another player.
With just under $20 million in salary cap space available, Treliving, assisted by Assistant General Manager Brandon Pridham, faces the challenge of balancing these priorities.
Bertuzzi’s Contract and Performance
Bertuzzi, who earned $5.5 million on a one-year deal in 2023-24, had a solid season with 21 goals and 22 assists in 80 games, showing significant improvement in the second half. As the 29-year-old Sudbury, Ontario native looks ahead, his starting point for a new contract would likely be at least $5 million.
If the Leafs are unable to retain Bertuzzi, they will look to Matthew Knies, Bobby McMann, and potentially Easton Cowan to step up offensively.
Balancing Act for the Leafs
Re-signing both Bertuzzi and Domi while addressing needs in goal and defense seems challenging under the current cap constraints. The Leafs may have to make some tough decisions to ensure all areas of the roster are adequately strengthened.
Clarity on Bertuzzi’s future with the team and the resolution of other roster issues is expected in the coming weeks.
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