Insider believes that Tyler Bertuzzi may end up being a longer-term Leaf
At the beginning of free agency, Tyler Bertuzzi was one of the biggest names available and was reportedly looking for a multi-year deal as a way of gaining some security. However, due to injury concerns, he was unable to secure a multi-year deal and ended up signing a 1-year contract with the Leafs worth $5.5M for the upcoming season. It was previously reported by Elliotte Friedman that both sides had originally discussed a longer deal, but the Leafs were unsure of their cap situation past this season and decided to go with the short-term option instead, but he believes the two will likely begin extension talks in January. On TSN1050's First Up today, Chris Johnston was asked about a potential extension for Bertuzzi in January and seemingly confirmed Friedman's comments.
"They both get a chance to see what the fit looks like. You have to see what it's like playing as a Leaf. Some guys love it, some not so much and you know from the team side of things they have to gauge the fit and where the player's at... He was one of the top players heading into free agency on July 1st and the big new contract doesn't manifest for him and he has to regroup and sign a 1-year deal with the Leafs at the money he was looking for, but not the security many expected he would get... it can be hard to fit in... I certainly think if the first few months of the season go well, [an extension is] something we'll be talking about and if [the Leafs] look to take advantage of signing him come January 1st."
The signing of Bertuzzi has been received very well by Leaf fans during Brad Treliving's short tenure as Leafs GM as he adds an element to the Leafs' top-six that the team has desperately needed in the playoffs. Despite injury issues over the past few seasons, Bertuzzi was one of the Bruins' best players in the post-season a few months ago, registering 10 points in 7 games and should provide the Leafs with some much-needed secondary scoring along with the "snot" and sandpaper that he brings to the table.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 5 | 234 ANSWERS Insider believes that Tyler Bertuzzi may end up being a longer-term Leaf Will Tyler Bertuzzi be a Maple Leaf beyond this season? | ||
| Yes | 201 | 85.9 % |
| No | 33 | 14.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
