When reports came out that Max Domi signed his four-year extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs, fans quickly shifted their focus to what that meant for Tyler Bertuzzi. As it turns out, his camp is still negotiating a new deal with Toronto.
It was believed it would be an either/or for the Leafs in negotiations with Domi and Bertuzzi. However, with Domi locked down, Toronto continues to negotiate with Tyler Bertuzzi.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 30, 2024
This corroborates a report from the Toronto Sun’s Terry Koshan, who spoke a source involved with the negotiation, stating the two sides are maintaining talks about a contract. While it remains to be seen if the two sides can get this done before free agent frenzy opens Monday, it is clear that Bertuzzi would love to remain in Toronto and find a deal that can work for everyone.
Of note, the Leafs are still in negotiations with Chris Tanev about a contract and by all accounts they will be able to get that one done. That likely means you can expect them to go after Nikita Zadorov as their other addition on the back end while also signing a tandem goalie to work alongside Joseph Woll.
With just under $16 million to work with according to PuckPedia, all of that is certainly attainable but that likely means any further additions will have to come via trade.
The 29-year-old is coming off a roller-coaster season where he struggled to fit into the system in the first half but caught fire during the latter half. He would go on to record 43 points (21 goals and 22 assists) in 80 games played while also adding four points (one goal and three assists) in seven playoff games. Although his postseason production was not quite where it was when he was with the Bruins in the spring of 2023, he did a masterful job of limiting Brad Marchand’s effectiveness in being a pest as well as on the scoresheet.
Bertuzzi and Domi formed a strong partnership with Auston Matthews during the stretch run and in the playoffs so seeing that line potentially remain intact would be a welcome sign for the Leafs. Of course, the two sides would have to come to terms on the extension and there isn’t much time left before 31 other teams can take a run at acquiring his services and the team will need to leave enough room for other areas such as defence.
But it sure seems like Brad Treliving will be making a strong push to keep Bertuzzi locked up while providing him with a clear picture of what else he can get done on July 1st.
