Bertuzzi receives the first opportunity to play on Toronto's top line and he's not taking the opportunity lightly
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On the first day of training camp, it's important not to read too much into the initial line combinations. There are certainly players who are likely to play with one another, but there are also others whose positioning in the lineup are yet to be determined.
One line that we can likely pencil in for the start of the regular season is the trio of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and Tyler Bertuzzi, who skated together with Group 1 on day one of on-ice sessions at Maple Leafs training camp.
Bertuzzi was signed to a 1-year, $5.5M deal on day two of free agency, back on July 2nd. At the time, it was believed that he was considering multiple offers, but when the Leafs came calling, it was an opportunity that was too good to pass up. A huge part of that, I'm sure, was the opportunity to play with two of the best young stars in the game.
Following the first day of on-ice sessions, Bertuzzi was asked about the opportunity to play next to the Leafs' top two players. It was clear from his response that he feels honoured.
"I'm excited. It's a big opportunity. I won't take it lightly."
Bertuzzi knows that with Matthews and Marner being two very dynamic and unpredictable players, he'll need to stay ready and be prepared for a pass at all times.
"I'll have to glue my stick to the ice. It (the puck) can come at any time."
The trio will receive a good, long look at camp, I'm sure. If Bertuzzi can remain healthy and carry over his production from the playoffs as a member of the Bruins, then the Leafs may even get more than they bargained for with Bertuzzi, who notched 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points in 7 games against Florida.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 21 | 301 ANSWERS Bertuzzi receives the first opportunity to play on Toronto's top line and he's not taking the opportunity lightly How many goals will Tyler Bertuzzi score this season? | ||
| 20 or less | 20 | 6.6 % |
| 21-30 | 166 | 55.1 % |
| 31-40 | 103 | 34.2 % |
| More than 40 | 12 | 4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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