When it was announced that Tyler Bertuzzi would be signing a 1-year deal in Toronto, fans were elated to have a gritty competitor like Bertuzzi joining the Leafs, even if only for one season. Well, just past the midway point of the season, things have not worked out the way many were hoping, but Bertuzzi has provided the Leafs with all of the grit and tenacity that was advertised. Unfortunately, the goals haven't come with it.
In 45 games, the Sudbury, Ontario native has scored 6 goals and 20 points while averaging 15:18 in ice time. It has been a slow start to his Maple Leafs career for Bertuzzi, who only had three points through his first twelve games. The 28-year-old is going through the ebbs and flows of the season, picking up six assists in the last thirteen games but also going goalless during that stretch. Hopefully we're about to see a change in that department, as Bertuzzi's $5.5M cap hit is lofty if the Leafs aren't getting the goal production they're paying for.
The Maple Leafs are officially back in Toronto after a four game road trip out West, looking to get some practice in as they prepare for the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday. They will be practicing without Bertuzzi, however, as the veteran winger was nowhere to be found.
David Alter later revealed that Bertuzzi is absent because his wife, Ashley, is due to give birth to their child. This will be the couple's second child after Ashley gave birth to their daughter, named Kinsley Lea, back in 2022.
