Insider puts an expected timeline on a Tyler Bertuzzi extension with Maple Leafs

Last off-season, the Leafs signed Bertuzzi to a 1-year deal worth $5.5M for the season. The deal looked horrible to start, as Bertuzzi had just 1 goal through his first 29 games as a Leaf, but he, along with Max Domi found their stride in the second half of the season.

Bertuzzi ended up finishing with 21 goals and 43 points while skating in 80 of the Leafs' 82 regular season games. Bertuzzi also had 1 goal and four points in seven post-season games as the Leafs were once again eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

According to Schmaltz, he is expecting the Leafs to get Bertuzzi locked up before July 1st, when the 29-year-old can test the free agent market.

The two sides explored a long-term deal last off-season before settling on the one-year pact, but have revisited a lengthier deal this time around thanks to the cap space the Leafs have.

Schmaltz issued two comparable contracts in Ryan Hartman (3x$4AAV) and Ivan Barbashev (5x$5AAV) believing Bertuzzi's extension will come in between the two, likely around $4.75M per season on a three-year deal with almost half of his salary being paid in signing bonuses.

Should the Leafs land Bertuzzi for less than $5M, it would be considered a huge discount given the demand Bertuzzi would see on the open market, and in line with Evolving Hockey's projection of a 3 year deal at $4.78M per season.