Tyler Bertuzzi and the Maple Leafs getting close on an extension

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Mike Armenti
June 28, 2024 (11:31)

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Photo credit: Sportsnet

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have turned a real corner with winger Tyler Bertuzzi in the last 24 hours, which could lead to a deal getting done with the pending UFA.

Obviously, the Leafs' top priority remains fixing their blueline, but with things taking a positive turn with the Bertuzzi camp between Thursday and Friday, it appears as though we could see a deal materialize on or before July 1st.

TSN's Darren Dreger joined the crew at TSN 1050's "First Up" this morning and one of the things he revealed is that Bertuzzi is not only willing to be flexible on term, but he's also willing to take less than he made last season in order to help push a deal across the finish line.

"Tyler Bertuzzi is super motivated to stay with the Maple Leafs. He feels that he's a real good fit there. In saying that, he's willing to be creative. He's not looking at the $5.5M that he made on a 1-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs last year. He knows he's going to have to take less. But what does the term look like? Would he do 3 years or is he stuck on 4 years? Again, there is a willingness to be flexible. That's what I was told by someone close yesterday."

It's not often in this day and age where players are lining up to leave money on the table to sign with the Leafs. Most often, it seems like we're discussing players earning more in Toronto than anywhere else - a "Leafs tax", so to speak. Well, with Bertuzzi willing to take less than the $5.5M he made last year, he's showing that he believes in the team and that putting the team first is important.

The only question left seems to be how much less is he willing to take? Is he willing to go below a $5M AAV? $4.5M? That could be the difference between remaining in Toronto or heading elsewhere this summer.

Bertuzzi was able to put a slow first half behind him last season and still finish the year with 21 goals and 43 points in 80 games.

Previously on MapleLeafsDaily

Latest development regarding Mitch Marner creating a stir in Toronto

Insider reveals Maple Leafs' plans for pending UFA Ilya Lyubushkin

Nazem Kadri, Maple Leafs reunion a very real possibility

POLL
28 JUIN \| 475 ANSWERS Tyler Bertuzzi and the Maple Leafs getting close on an extension How many years will the Bertuzzi extension be in Toronto if he agrees to take less to remain a Leaf?
▢ 1-2 years
▢ 3-4 years
▢ 5 years or more