REPORT: Brad Treliving Is Already Looking To Replace Tyler Bertuzzi

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Graham Montgomery
November 4, 2023 (8:46 PM)

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The Leafs have gotten off to a mediocre start this season as they sit 3rd in the Atlantic with a 5-3-2 record through 10 games. Part of the reason for the slow start is one of Brad Treliving's off-season acquisitions, Tyler Bertuzzi.

Bertuzzi's Slow Start Hurts Leafs

Through ten games Bertuzzi has just 2 goals and a single assist. This is despite the fact that he's spent most of the season in a prime spot to produce points alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. As a result, he's seen his ice time drop steadily and he is now getting bottom-six minutes rather than top-line ice time. Reportedly, Brad Treliving is now looking at affordable ways to replace him.

NHL Insider Hints At Change For Leafs

NHL insider Darren Dreger made a post on X today in which he shared a post from fellow insider Chris Johnston. Dreger noted that Treliving and Shanahan shared Keefe's displeasure with the team following the incident with Brad Marchand and Timothy Liljegren.

I'm pretty sure the GM and President share Keefe's disdain.

Many fans specifically pointed to the reactions of newcomers Ryan Reaves and Tyler Bertuzzi after the incident with Marchand. Treliving perhaps thought those two would change the culture of the team enough that incidents like these would not happen. At the end of the day though all Marchand got was a couple of uninspired chirps for his dirty hit on Liljegren.

Leafs Options Limited

The Leafs have fairly limited options when it comes to improving their forward core thanks to their cap constraints. One potential fit could be Patrick Kane who the team has already reportedly been interested in. The free agent is coming off hip re-surfacing surgery and could potentially sign a league-minimum deal.

Another option could be former Leaf Alexander Barabanov. Barabanov was traded to the Sharks a couple of seasons ago in exchange for Antti Suomela. While Barabanov is currently injured, he showed a decent amount of offensive upside last season on a terrible Sharks team. Last year in 68 games he had 15 goals and 47 points. he has one year left with a 2.5 million dollar cap hit. Assuming the Sharks retain salary, the Leafs could afford him.

One more option would be to call up Nick Robertson for a top-six role. The prospect has been open about wanting a trade if he does not get called up early in the season and he has been tearing up the AHL. Since he's on an entry-level contract, he should be affordable with a corresponding move. Perhaps the team will send down Ryan Reaves, who has been playing less than 8 minutes a game and hasn't had a fight since the second contest of the season.