This is certainly not ideal news for the Bruins.
This is certainly not ideal news for the Bruins.
During the 2023 NHL Offseason, the Boston Bruins lost Tyler Bertuzzi to free agency to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Bruins and Bertuzzi could not agree on term, so the gritty winger opted to sign a one-year pact to be a Leaf.
Now, one year later, the Bruins are in a position where they could explore a potential reunion if he hits the market. GM Don Sweeney has made it clear that he wants to add more scoring to their group.
Bertuzzi would give the Bruins a much-needed top-six winger who provides offensive production and plenty of grit. He also fit in wonderfully during his time as a rental for the Bruins, so it would not be surprising if they considered him this summer.
While a Bertuzzi reunion would make sense for the Bruins this offseason, there is a chance that the star forward won't make it to free agency. According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, there is mutual interest between the Maple Leafs and Bertuzzi to get a new contract done.
It is not surprising that the Maple Leafs are interested in re-signing Bertuzzi. While his time with the club started off underwhelmingly, his play picked up noticeably as the campaign rolled on. In addition, he found a home in the Maple Leafs' top six and became one of their most important contributors. Thus, it makes sense that both parties are open to getting a new deal done.
However, LeBrun also noted that the Maple Leafs are "juggling a few things" so Bertuzzi re-signing with the club is not set in stone. We will now need to keep a very close eye on this situation from here.
Recent Bruins News
What the Bruins CEO Said About Top Management
Bruins Forward Likely Done in Boston