Report: Tyler Bertuzzi Will Not Return to Maple Leafs After Being 'Out-Priced' in Toronto and Will Test NHL Free Agency
Although the Toronto Maple Leafs were successful in re-signing pending free agent Max Domi to a new multi-year contract, it doesn't look like the same will happen with Tyler Bertuzzi.
According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Bertuzzi is set to test the market after being "out-priced" in Toronto.
"He will land a deal elsewhere in the 4 year and over $5 mi per territory," Dreger posted on X.
The Maple Leafs have been open about their interest in having Bertuzzi return after he found success late in the season on a line with both Domi and Auston Matthews. Bertuzzi signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with Toronto last summer after it was believed that he wasn't able to secure a multi-year deal to his liking.
Bertuzzi indicated at season's end that he was open to returning to the Leafs if a deal could work.
With the salary cap seeing its first substantial increase since COVID, that has opened the door for a contract like the one Bertuzzi is seeking.
Bertuzzi had 21 goals and 22 assists with the Leafs last season. He also had a goal and three assists in seven playoff games.
In addition to extending Domi, the Leafs are working on trying to get Chris Tanev signed to a multi-year deal after securing the player's rights. Toronto also extended Timothy Liljegren for two years at $3 million per season.
If Tanev signs, the Leafs would have only had roughly $7 million left in their cap (according to PuckPedia.com) with other players still left to sign. In addition to Toronto's reported interest in grabbing another defenseman in free agency, it's clear to see how little room there is for the 29-year-old Bertuzzi.
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