Tyler Bertuzzi’s Future with the Toronto Maple Leafs in Doubt
With July 1st fast approaching, the Toronto Maple Leafs face crucial decisions regarding their pending free agents, including Tyler Bertuzzi. Although Bertuzzi is a player many, including myself, admire, retaining him might be too costly.
Tyler Bertuzzi experienced a rather peculiar season during his first year with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The tenacious winger joined the Leafs last season on a 1-year contract, aiming to prove his star potential in the NHL. Fans, myself included, had high hopes for a standout season from Bertuzzi.
Regrettably, Bertuzzi didn’t quite meet those lofty expectations. While his performance wasn’t poor, he managed only 43 points in 80 games, despite being positioned in a top-six role alongside star playmakers like Mitch Marner and William Nylander.
I genuinely like Tyler Bertuzzi and wish him success if he signs elsewhere, but it might be best for the Leafs to part ways with him at this juncture.
Why Moving On Might Be Best for the Maple Leafs
As mentioned, Bertuzzi recorded just 43 points throughout the season. Despite a strong finish, a winger earning $5.5 million should contribute more.
Furthermore, the Leafs initially signed Bertuzzi for his power-play prowess and impressive playoff performance with the Boston Bruins. Although he wasn’t heavily utilized on the first power-play unit, he managed only five power-play goals all season and just one goal in the playoffs.
Bertuzzi wasn’t bad by any means, but he did fall short of expectations, and it seems wise for the Leafs to move on.
There remains a possibility that Bertuzzi might accept a discounted contract to stay in Toronto, as he has expressed a desire to play for the Leafs again.
The key question is how much of a discount he is willing to take. Signing Bertuzzi for three years at $4 million would be acceptable, but would he agree to a pay cut to remain in Toronto?
In my view, the Leafs would benefit more from keeping Max Domi instead of Bertuzzi this off-season. Allocating Bertuzzi’s $5.5 million salary towards a star defenseman might be a more strategic move.
Regardless of the outcome, Bertuzzi was an enjoyable player to watch and was genuinely a suitable signing by GM Brad Treliving last summer. Unfortunately, the signing didn’t pan out as hoped.
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