The Maple Leafs reportedly expressed an earlier interest in resigning the forward on May 24, 2024.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are well into the offseason and major decisions are looming within the organization. With 12 pending free agents, the Leafs have begun to assess who they want to stay versus who they will see out the door.

As reported by The Fourth Period’s David Pognotta, one unrestricted free agent that has stood out in that regard is winger Tyler Bertuzzi – who the Leafs have seemingly started contract discussions with. 

This isn’t the first we’ve heard of a possible negotiation with Bertuzzi and the Leafs. It was reported on May 24 by The Athletic’s Pierre Lebrun that the organization had expressed interest in resigning the forward. 

At the time, Todd Reynolds, Bertuzzi’s agent, told Lebrun that it was early “But it’s out there that the Leafs want to re-sign him. We’ll see what happens here." Just over a week removed from this comment, the negotiation rumors have begun to swirl once again. 

Given that the Leafs hold Bertuzzi's rights until July 1, the team can discuss terms with him before the other 31 teams are given the chance to do so. Though Pognotta points out it is “very early in the process” and there will be plenty of appetite for his services if he reaches the open market, all signs are pointing towards the garnered interest to bring the forward back to Toronto.

Is the feeling mutual?

When discussing his interest to remain in Toronto at the Leafs’ end-of-season media availability, Bertuzzi stated: “That’s definitely something I’m open to. Coming into a new place, especially Toronto, it’s not easy. It took me a little bit on the ice to get going. But off the ice, the guys were great. Everything was top-notch. Me and my family really enjoyed our time here.”

Coming to the Leafs on a one-year $5.5 million deal this past summer, producing 21 goals and 22 assists in 80 games, Bertuzzi will be in search of a longer-term deal – especially with the cap expected to rise by $4 million and projected to continue to increase over the coming years.

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