Leafs reportedly set to sign one of the top available UFA forwards

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Buds and Tyler Bertuzzi are putting the final touches on a one-year deal that will see the 27-year-old head North of the boarder to join the Leafs. Bertuzzi was thought to be looking for a long-term deal, likely due to injury issues, so the fact the Leafs are able to get him on a short-term deal is surprising.

Bertuzzi will replace Michael Bunting in the top-six and could see time with Auston Matthews on the Leafs' top line. The injury-riddled forward had 30 points in 50 games last season but had a strong showing in the playoffs registering 10 points in 7 games for the Bruins.

Ultimately, time will tell how this all shakes out, but you have to believe that this is a trial run of sorts for Bertuzzi in Toronto. If he does well and remains healthy, I could see a lucrative extension in his future. If he does not perform up to the standard that the Leafs expect or if he is unable to remain healthy, then a 1-year deal allows the team to simply walk away next summer with no long-term commitment getting in the way.

Per Chris Johnston, the deal carries a $5.5M cap hit through this season.