June 18, 2024 | 6:20pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
BERTUZZI, LEAFS CONTINUE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
Tyler Bertuzzi, forward
The Toronto Maple Leafs remain engaged in ongoing contract discussions with veteran forward Tyler Bertuzzi and his representation.
TFP’s David Pagnotta reported on Monday at the two sides continue to work towards a new deal, however, it is still premature to predict whether a deal can be ironed out prior to July 1 when the free agent market begins.
Bertuzzi, 29, signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract on with last off-season, and there is clearly mutual interest in keeping the relationship going.
However, if the two sides cannot agree to terms on a new deal, there will be plenty of suitors in pursuit of Bertuzzi next month as a number of clubs are looking for secondary scoring to add to their roster.
The #LeafsForever remain in contract negotiations with Tyler Bertuzzi’s camp. Still too early to determine where it goes, but I’m told both sides “continue to work at it” ahead of him hitting UFA status July 1.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 17, 2024
The Maple Leafs also have an ongoing dialogue with forward Max Domi, who can also become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
Defenceman Joel Edmundson has informed the Leafs he will test the free agent market, but would explore a return to Toronto, as Pagnotta previously reported, while T.J. Brodie is not expected to be re-signed.
In 80 games with the Leafs this past season, Bertuzzi registered 21 goals and 22 assists for 43 points, along with 53 penalty minutes.