TSN's Chris Johnston has read through the tea leaves of Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi's free agency, revealing what might be in store for the 29-year-old.
After the Leafs' playoff run, Bertuzzi mentioned that his family enjoyed their time in Toronto and that he was open to an extension. However, liking the idea and agreeing on numbers are two different things, which is where things stand now between Bertuzzi and the Leafs.
Bertuzzi's 1-year, $5.5M deal from last season will likely be his floor in negotiations. Despite a slow start and a subpar season with just 43 points in 80 games, he probably doesn't want to take a pay cut.
Yet GM Brad Treliving has a lot on his plate this summer including the makeup of the Leafs defensive core, forcing these sweepstakes to the back burner.
On Wednesday's edition of The Chris Johnston Show, Johnston said that Bertuzzi is probably not returning to Toronto next season. The situation is less 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 might be back, it sounds like Bertuzzi is likely gone, which is a shame given how well he played in the second half of the season.
"They really like Tanev... I saw reports Bertuzzi might be gone... I've also heard they're battling to get something with Domi."
@FriedgeHNIC shares insight into #LeafsForever offseason negotiations away from Mitch Marner with @mattymar89.
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@FriedgeHNIC shares insight into #LeafsForever offseason negotiations away from Mitch Marner with @mattymar89.
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📺 watch.sportsnet.ca
Bertuzzi thrived with Domi and Auston Matthews on the Leafs top line, but it appears we won't see that trio together next season. Turns out it was a one-year wonder after all.
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