Marner has a unique way of describing Bertuzzi's ability to retrieve pucks
Tyler Bertuzzi only scored 8 goals last season, but managed to finish with 30 points in 50 games between the Wings and Bruins. It was in the playoffs, however, where Bertuzzi really showed how valuable he can be. In 7 games with Boston, Bertuzzi had 5 goals, 10 points and a whopping 26 penalty minutes and was by far Boston's best player in their first round series loss.
When Bertuzzi signed with the Leafs on the second day of free agency, Leaf fans were ecstatic. He is the type of top-six forward the Leafs have needed for a very long time. As of right now, his stay in Toronto is only expected to be 1 year, but if all goes well, it wouldn't be surprising to see Bertuzzi ink an extension come January. Bertuzzi has already found a home on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, who have become instant friends with the former Red Wing. Marner was asked about Bertuzzi and what he brings to the forecheck following practice yesterday.
"He has a weird way of getting pucks back," said Marner. "It's like a Neanderthal out there sometimes, and it's awesome to have on your team. Especially recently it seems on the forecheck, he's getting a lot of those pucks back or making a loose puck for F2 [another forward]. It's just been great in that aspect. For us, it's just knowing that if he is the first guy in there, usually a puck will be hanging around the feet."
Bertuzzi is looking to stay healthy and capitalize on his chance to play on the Leafs' top line. For a player that is one of the league's premiere agitators, he is just 2 seasons removed from a 30-goal season and will surely have a shot at getting back there this season.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 8 | 180 ANSWERS Marner has a unique way of describing Bertuzzi's ability to retrieve pucks Will Bertuzzi reach the 30-goal mark? | ||
| Yes | 135 | 75 % |
| No | 45 | 25 % |
| List of polls | ||
