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Sudden shift by Tyler Bertuzzi camp could keep him with the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Maple Leafs/X
TSN's Chris Johnston revealed the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tyler Bertuzzi are closer to an agreement on a new contract than ever before.
Yesterday on 'The CJ Show' Chris Johnston reported that Tyler Bertuzzi was likely going to test the free agent market.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman stated on the Jeff Marek Show today that, "what is true now may not be true five minutes from now," and that has seemingly been proven to be the case as Chris Johnston reported on 'Insider Trading' that the Leafs and Bertuzzi appear to have found some mutual interest in reaching an accord.
"Tyler Bertuzzi, who some have thought is out the door in Toronto, that's not so. It sounds like Tyler Bertuzzi is very willing to work with the Leafs when it comes to the length of the contract, even the money," revealed Johnston.
"I don't think this is a case «pay me this or I'm out the door», I don't think there's any hard lines being drawn, and all things being equal, Tyler Bertuzzi would like to remain in Toronto but both of them are waiting to see is there money there, is it a priority for the Leafs as they look to shore up their blue line.»
"I don't think this is a case «pay me this or I'm out the door», I don't think there's any hard lines being drawn, and all things being equal, Tyler Bertuzzi would like to remain in Toronto but both of them are waiting to see is there money there, is it a priority for the Leafs as they look to shore up their blue line.»
While there has been no formal agreement, the news sounds very positive on a potential Bertuzzi deal. After signing a 1-year, $5.5M deal with the Leafs last off-season after the two sides could not reach a long-term deal for cap reasons, Bertuzzi started slow but finished the season strong. He finished with 21 goals and 43 points in 80 games and added four points in seven playoff games for the Leafs and brought some much needed 'snot' to the top-six.
The Leafs are expected to be very busy in the coming days as they attempt to rebuild their blueline and goaltending as well as figure out their forward group. We should have an answer sooner than later when it comes to the future of Bertuzzi.
Source: Hockey DB
Tyler Bertuzzi Player Profile
Tyler Bertuzzi Player Profile
| POLL | ||
JUIN 27 | 660 ANSWERS Sudden shift by Tyler Bertuzzi camp could keep him with the Maple Leafs Will Tyler Bertuzzi return to the Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 404 | 61.2 % |
| No | 256 | 38.8 % |
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