Insider Reveals Promising And Concerning News Regarding A Maple Leafs Top-Six Forward

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Tyler Ball
December 30, 2023 (9:41)

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Today an NHL insider spoke about the future of one of the Maple Leafs' top-six forwards. His update provided both promising but concerning news for the player and the Maple Leafs.

Insider Reveals News Regarding A Maple Leafs Top-Six Forward

During his usual 32 Thoughts segment NHL insider Elliotte Friedman spoke about Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi. On a positive note, he reminds listeners that the Maple Leafs and Bertuzzi had discussed visiting a contract extension around January 1st.

However, on a more concerning level from what Friedman has heard these talks are not likely to happen anytime soon. It has widely been known that things have not gone as good as either side has hoped this season.

"I thought that Tyler Bertuzzi was a guy that Toronto had talked about a long-term deal with. I don't expect anything like that right now."

With no extension in sight, the Maple Leafs need to start discussing the future of players like Bertuzzi who are in the last year of their deal and underperforming. With the trade deadline quickly approaching the Maple Leafs need to begin planning their roster for next season already.

Are Bertuzzi's Days In Toronto Coming To An End?

Tyler Bertuzzi has been one of the most polarizing players on the Maple Leafs this season. This has led to much debate about how to handle his future. Bertuzzi is only on pace for 46 points this season which would be the lowest in points per game since he entered the NHL.

At age 28 Bertuzzi is nearing the end of his prime years. If the Maple Leafs are going to extend him a shorter deal would be better. If they aren't going to then a trade might be the best option.

As Read On - Maple Leafs Daily - Insider has some good news and some bad news for Leaf fans regarding a top-6 forward