Insider confirms Tyler Bertuzzi's fate in Toronto ahead of free agency
Photo credit: Maple Leafs/X
TSN's Chris Johnston has dug up some interesting information on the Tyler Bertuzzi situation in Toronto, revealing the 29-year-old's fate.
At the end of the Leafs' playoff run, Bertuzzi told the media in Toronto that his family has really enjoyed their time there and that he is open to the idea of an extension. Of course, the idea and the numbers don't always jive, which is where we currently find ourselves with Bertuzzi and the Leafs.
Bertuzzi's 1-year deal worth $5.5M last season would likely be his starting point in negotiations this summer, as the feisty winger likely does not want to take a step down in salary despite a rocky start last season, which contributed to a year in which he wasn't overly productive, finishing with just 43 points in 80 games.
The Leafs, on the other hand, have a lot of business to take care of this summer, particularly on the blueline and may not want to commit such a large amount of money to bring Bertuzzi back.
On Wednesday's edition of The Chris Johnston Show, CJ informed listeners that Bertuzzi is probably not going to be back in Toronto next season. The situation is not as clear for
Max Domi.
"It sounds like Tyler Bertuzzi is likely to test the market at this point. Not exactly clear on Max Domi. There's sort of mixed signals there... he's looking for some security, right? I would think it would take a 3, maybe 4-year deal at minimum to compel him to sign before July 1st."
While Domi could be back, it sounds like Bertuzzi is as good as gone, which is unfortunate considering how well he had played in the second half.
Bertuzzi had shown some good chemistry on the Leafs' top line with Domi and
Auston Matthews at the end of the year, but by the sounds of things, we're not likely to see the trio reunited next season.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
JUIN 27 | 622 ANSWERS Insider confirms Tyler Bertuzzi's fate in Toronto ahead of free agency Will you be upset if the Leafs let Tyler Bertuzzi walk? |
Yes | 213 | 34.2 % |
No | 255 | 41 % |
Depends on his contract demands | 154 | 24.8 % |
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