Leafs reportedly set to sign one of the top available UFA forwards
Brad Treliving continues to re-shape the Leafs' forward group to add more grit and physicality, with the hope being that it will make them more difficult to play against. First he added Ryan Reaves and now he is reportedly set to add an ex-Boston Bruin and Detroit Red Wing to the mix as well.
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.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 2 | 850 ANSWERS Leafs reportedly set to sign one of the top available UFA forwards Do you like the Tyler Bertuzzi deal for the Leafs? | ||
| Yes, low risk, high potential reward | 487 | 57.3 % |
| I do, but I wish it was longer | 175 | 20.6 % |
| Love the term, don't like the cap hit | 126 | 14.8 % |
| Don't like the deal at all | 62 | 7.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
