Interesting update on Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi in Toronto
Photo credit: ESPN
In the wake of the Maple Leafs' OT loss in Game 7 and another early elimination, there are plenty of fans wondering about the statuses of Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi.
The Leafs signed both players to a 1-year deal last summer with the intentions of seeing how each player would fit into the equation and whether or not a continued relationship beyond that one year mark was feasible for all sides. Both players are eligible to test free agency on July 1st as well.
Obviously, knowing just how valuable both players became to the team in the second half of the season, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if one or both were to extend in Toronto this summer. On Monday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed the latest information on both players. Unsurprisingly, he felt as though both players would be open to the idea of remaining in Toronto.
"When Bertuzzi was signed, the Maple Leafs discussed a longer-term deal, but it couldn't work, so they said let's do one year and see how it goes.
There have been some rumours around that he kind of has the Ryan O'Reilly vibe that he doesn't like all of the scrutiny and attention in Toronto. I think there is some truth to that, but from what I have heard, it doesn't necessarily mean he's against re-signing.
I've heard, actually, he really enjoyed part of the group, he likes his teammates, and he's interesting in staying - and I believe the team is interested in having him back. As always, though, it comes down to contract... I don't think it's an absolute no on Bertuzzi."
There have been some rumours around that he kind of has the Ryan O'Reilly vibe that he doesn't like all of the scrutiny and attention in Toronto. I think there is some truth to that, but from what I have heard, it doesn't necessarily mean he's against re-signing.
I've heard, actually, he really enjoyed part of the group, he likes his teammates, and he's interesting in staying - and I believe the team is interested in having him back. As always, though, it comes down to contract... I don't think it's an absolute no on Bertuzzi."
With Tyler Bertuzzi open to re-signing in Toronto, does Max Domi feel the same way?
Unlike Bertuzzi, Domi appears to enjoy the spotlight and being in Toronto. Not every player is built that way, but Domi appears to thrive on it. Friedman admitted on Monday that he would be shocked if Domi didn't want to extend the relationship with the Maple Leafs.
"I think Domi wants to stay. I think it's going to come down to negotiations, because you know that Domi is still pretty young. He's going to want some term, and I'm just curious to see how the Maple Leafs are going to feel about that.
I would be shocked if Domi didn't want to stay. This was a really good fit for him and I simply think it comes down to contract negotiations."
I would be shocked if Domi didn't want to stay. This was a really good fit for him and I simply think it comes down to contract negotiations."
Obviously, what the players want, what the team wants and what they're all able to do are very different things. It's all going to come down to the dollars, the cents and the term. As Friedman alluded to, if both players are willing to play ball, the Leafs may end up bringing both of them back.
| POLL | ||
MAI 6 | 1206 ANSWERS Interesting update on Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi in Toronto Which of Tyler Bertuzzi or Max Domi would you choose to bring back if the Leafs can only have one? | ||
| Domi | 840 | 69.7 % |
| Bertuzzi | 319 | 26.5 % |
| Neither | 47 | 3.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
