Tyler Bertuzzi and the Toronto Maple Leafs: Brad Treliving makes final offer

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Austin Kelly
June 29, 2024 (1:52 PM)

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Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving appears to have his final effort to pending UFA Tyler Bertuzzi as the forward is days away from hitting the open market in NHL Free Agency.

According to TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger, the Leafs goal is to re-sign with Toronto, but it comes down to a matter of term over dollars, wanting long-term stability with his next NHL contract, not wanting to sign a short-term deal as he has in the past.

Dreger also says Toronto is willing to be flexible with Bertuzzi, agreeing to his terms, but as well for their own. The Leafs may have to wait until free agency if a deal can't be reached that mutually benefits both sides.

"Tyler Bertuzzi is super motivated to stay with the Maple Leafs. He feels that he's a real good fit there. In saying that, he's willing to be creative. He's not looking at the $5.5M that he made on a 1-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs last year. He knows he's going to have to take less. But what does the term look like? Would he do 3 years or is he stuck on 4 years? Again, there is a willingness to be flexible. That's what I was told by someone close yesterday."

Bertuzzi, 29, signed a one-year contract with Toronto in the offseason. Another one-year deal appears off the table. Bertuzzi had 21 goals, 22 assists & 43 points in 80 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs this past season.

Source - Maple Leafs Daily
Tyler Bertuzzi and the Maple Leafs getting close on an extension