Analyst unveils surprising player Toronto should sign to replace Tyler Bertuzzi
Photo credit: Planet of Hockey on YouTube
NHL analyst Micahel Mazzei unveiled a surprising player he believes could replace Tyler Bertuzzi on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been drifting in and out of a contending spot for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Part of what makes a team successful is forward depth, which the team used to have answered in part for with Tyler Bertuzzi. In the 2023-24 regular season, he recorded 21 goals and 43 total points in 80 games played. However, upon hitting free agency, the 29-year-old signed a four-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks
Though GM Brad Treliving's actions during offseason trading filled in more slots outside the Core Four, Bertuzzi's absence remains unanswered. However, one NHL analyst has provided a possible solution. Michael Mazzei of The Leafs Nation has urged the team to trade for Senators forward Dominik Kubalik. Mazzei suggests that though the former Detroit Red Wing has underperformed in Ottawa, he has a proven track record when placed in the right environment.
"Kubalik had a rough go in Ottawa which has resulted in his value around the league being at an all-time low. But there is still a quality player in there who just needs to be put in a more ideal situation for him to regain his form and get back some confidence. After all, this is the same guy who was a finalist for the Calder Trophy in 2020 and had a five-point game in his playoff debut so the path for redemption is there for the taking.
With an obvious need for additional depth on the left wing, Kubalik could propel himself into a top-six role and secure minutes on the second power-play unit. Assuming he can earn a spot out of camp, he could help fill the void left behind by Tyler Bertuzzi in terms of net-front presence and offence at a much-reduced price. The soon-to-be 29-year-old would certainly be motivated to revitalize his career and a competitive team like the Leafs could be the ideal place for him to seek that second chance."
With an obvious need for additional depth on the left wing, Kubalik could propel himself into a top-six role and secure minutes on the second power-play unit. Assuming he can earn a spot out of camp, he could help fill the void left behind by Tyler Bertuzzi in terms of net-front presence and offence at a much-reduced price. The soon-to-be 29-year-old would certainly be motivated to revitalize his career and a competitive team like the Leafs could be the ideal place for him to seek that second chance."
Dominik Kubalik has shined in the past, but if his environment is his problem, Toronto may still not be the best fit. Too many players on the team crumble under pressure, and he may follow suit too early in the fight. However, with another season out of the playoffs in the first round, it may benefit the Maple Leafs to try nearly anything at this point.
| POLL | ||
9 AOUT | 68 ANSWERS Analyst unveils surprising player Toronto should sign to replace Tyler Bertuzzi Is a Dominik Kubalik the right player to replace Tyler Bertuzzi? | ||
| Yes | 32 | 47.1 % |
| No | 36 | 52.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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