The True Reason Behind Sheldon Keefe's Decision to Bench Tyler Bertuzzi Revealed

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Aaron Itovitch
March 21, 2024 (11:00)

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Sheldon Keefe made a surprising decision last night when he benched Tyler Bertuzzi for the first half of the first period. He has now revealed his reasoning.

Tyler Bertuzzi has finally found his footing in Toronto after a rough start to the season. Ever since joining a line with Auston Matthews, who is on pace for 70 goals, and in the midst of a career season, Bertuzzi has bumped up his point totals, and started to look much more like the player the Leafs organization anticipated when they signed him to a one-year $5.5 million dollar deal.

Through his last five games, Bertuzzi has 5 points, and 3 goals, which is absolutely phenomenal value for the Maple Leafs ahead of the playoffs. His tough style, which intimidates opponents, is incredibly important for a deep playoff run.

This all considered, it was especially shocking when he was benched for the first 7:30 of last night's game against the Washington Capitals.

Sheldon Keefe reveals why Tyler Bertuzzi was benched for nearly ten minutes

Following the Maple Leafs' dominant 7-3 win against the Washington Capitals, reporters were still curious about Tyler Bertuzzi's mysterious scratching.

Many believed that tension had begun to emerge between the Sheldon Keefe and Tyler Bertuzzi due to Bertuzzi's performances earlier in the season, where he was demoted down the lineup, and unable to earn the trust of Keefe.

We now know the real reason:

Keefe says Bertuzzi was doubtful right through warmup with an undisclosed illness and that's why he sat almost 10 minutes. The only other avaiable player was Brodie and the coach had already decided the defenceman was getting "a mental rest".

This suggests that Bertuzzi was nearly scratched last-minute due to illness! It certainly shows how incredible of a team player he is that he fought through it and had an amazing performance.

Recently extended Maple Leaf Bobby McMann comments on Bertuzzi's illness

Bobby McMann, who recently signed a two-year extension with the Maple Leafs, started on the Matthews line, and confirmed following the game that Bertuzzi was under the weather, leading to him being promoted temporarily to the first line.

Bobby McMann says Tyler Bertuzzi was feeling a little under the weather and that's what led to him starting on that line tonight.

While he may have not been 100%, he gave 100% of his effort, scoring a beauty of a goal. If this is how he plays when he's sick, he'll be a force to be reckoned with when he's healthy!