The Toronto Maple Leafs might have to part ways with Tyler Bertuzzi, thanks to the Colorado Avalanche just days before free agency.
Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reported that the Avalanche signed pending UFA center Casey Mittelstadt to a 3-year extension with a hefty cap hit of $5.75 million per season.
Casey Mittelstadt signs a three-year extension with the #avs carrying a $5.75M AAV.
The 8th overall pick in 2017, has recorded just 66 goals and 196 points over his 357-game NHL career and has yet to hit the 60-point mark in a single season. At 25, his potential might not be much higher than where it is now.
The AAV is very reasonable but not going longer term is a choice from #GoAvsGo point of view. But Mittelstadt gets to hit UFA at age 28, so maybe that was important to the player.
In contrast, Bertuzzi has notched 113 goals and 261 points in 406 NHL games, including multiple 20-goal seasons and even a 30-goal season in 2021-22.
With Mittelstadt securing a $5.75M cap hit just before free agency, the chances of the Leafs bringing Bertuzzi back at a similar cap hit to what he made in 2023-24 are slim. His new deal is likely to exceed $6M.
The Leafs have some big gaps to fill on defense this summer and need to extend Max Domi. They also need a backup goalie for Joseph Woll, who's set to sign a 3-year extension on July 1st. With only $19.7M to address all these needs, the Leafs have some tough choices ahead. Don't be surprised if Mittelstadt's deal pushes Bertuzzi out of Toronto.
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