Rumor: Bertuzzi Headed Back To Former Team In Trade

In terms of cap hits, Tyler Bertuzzi was by far, the biggest acquisition the Leafs made this offseason. He currently has a one-year, 5.5 million dollar deal. Through 11 games, Bertuzzi has managed just three points. As it stand then, the team is currently paying him over a million dollars per point. Not great. It should have been expected that he would have at least 6 or 7 points at this point in the season, especially given his deployment alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.

If the points are not coming, at least Bertuzzi is providing some much needed toughness and grit right? Right Leafs fans? It seems that the idea when he was brought in by new Leafs GM Brad Treliving was that Bertuzzi would bring some sandpaper to the team alongside Max Domi and Ryan Reaves. However, that really hasn't been the case. In fact, Bertuzzi's reaction to the incident involving Timothy Liljegren and Brad Marchand proved that he brings the exact opposite of toughness and grit.

If the Leafs decide they have to move on from Bertuzzi prematurely, it won't come easy. The team currently has zero cap space and his rumored destination doesn't have any either. That destination would be the Boston Bruins. NESN reporter Keagan Stiefel notes the difficulties the teams might face with a Bertuzzi deal.

If the Leafs end up in a truly desperate position at some point before the trade deadline perhaps a trade could come into play as a serious possibility. Until then though, the Leafs are going to have to find a way to climb out of the hole they've dug for themselves. Perhaps Nick Robertson could get a call up as an emergency top-six option. So far, Bertuzzi has not really been much of an option in that role.

As seen on Rumors Surface of Possible Tyler Bertuzzi Move Back to Bruins