Tyler Bertuzzi responds to media questions before Leafs Golf Classic, reveals why he chose Toronto
The Toronto Maple Leafs are out enjoying their "Leafs Golf Classic" on Monday, an annual event that acts as a sort of a precursor to training camp. Among the attendees was new Leafs winger Tyler Bertuzzi, who had his first opportunity to attend a Leafs media scrum.
Bertuzzi appeared to be somewhat timid in front of the scores of reporters in his first true media availability in Toronto. He did, however, express how excited he is to be a Maple Leaf. He also revealed that he's been in town for a few weeks now, skating with the likes of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, among others, as he wanted to become acclimated to the new environment and meet some of his new teammates well ahead of training camp.
Bertuzzi revealed to the media that there were plenty of suitors vying for his services this summer and shared what set Toronto apart from the rest, in his mind.
[Last year] was my first taste of playoff hockey. That was another reason [why I signed here]. It's the best time of year and it's a lot of fun to play in those situations and to get a feel for that, I wanted to be back in it and continue to be in it every year... I'm excited." - Bertuzzi on why he chose to sign with Toronto in free agency this summer
He was asked whether he knew where he'd play in the lineup yet or if he would consider re-signing in January if things were going well with the team at that point, Bertuzzi was a little more apprehensive to provide a response, suggesting to the media that the answers to those questions will come in time.
It stands to reason that Bertuzzi will at least get a look on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner at some point in the pre-season and/or during line rushes at camp to see if there's a fit there. He also admitted that he didn't watch much hockey growing up, which he, himself, admitted was pretty strange.
The video interview is currently featured on the official Toronto Maple Leafs app.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 18 | 377 ANSWERS Tyler Bertuzzi responds to media questions before Leafs Golf Classic, reveals why he chose Toronto Tyler Bertuzzi: Over or under 70 points with the Leafs this season? | ||
| Over | 256 | 67.9 % |
| Under | 121 | 32.1 % |
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