Both forwards signed a one-year deal with Toronto in 2023. Bertuzzi signed for $5.5 million while Domi signed for $3 million.
Both forwards signed a one-year deal with Toronto in 2023. Bertuzzi signed for $5.5 million while Domi signed for $3 million.
With only five days remaining until the opening of NHL free agency on July 1, the Toronto Maple Leafs are seemingly still getting their ducks in a row. While they seek to add a pair of defensemen to their blueline and address their goaltending tandem, a pressing concern is the offense – specifically, the future of pending unrestricted free agents Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi.
On Wednesday’s The Chris Johnston Show, NHL insider Chris Johnston gave some insight into the status of each forward, starting with clarity on Bertuzzi.
“It sounds like Tyler Bertuzzi is likely to test the market at this point,” Johnston said.
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This update comes just over a week after reports suggested that the Leafs and Bertuzzi were “continuing to work at it,” given the mutual interest between the two parties. General manager Brad Treliving has been vocal about his desire to retain the 29-year-old, but hurdles have arisen centered around the length of the contract.
At the team’s end-of-season media availability, Bertuzzi expressed interest in remaining in Toronto, stating, “That's definitely something I'm open to," Bertuzzi said. "I really enjoyed myself this year. 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."
Bertuzzi ended the regular season with 21 goals and 22 assists in 80 games. In the postseason, he had one goal and three assists through seven games of the club’s opening-round series against the Boston Bruins.
The 6-foot-2 forward signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Maple Leafs in July of 2023 and beforehand, was believed to be interested in finding a home long-term. With the rise in the salary cap, he’ll now be looking to cash in. If he hits the open market, he is set to have plenty of interested suitors, including the Leafs.
According to AFP Analytics, Bertuzzi is estimated to get a four-year contract with an annual average value of approximately $5.3 million.
What is the update on Max Domi?
Similar to Bertuzzi, Domi has been of interest to Treliving and Co., who would love to bring the forward back if a deal that “works” for the player and team can be reached. Now at 29 years of age, Domi has played for five different teams in the last three seasons, and it’s safe to say he is looking for some security on his next contract. As mentioned by Johnston, it’s unclear whether that will be obtained with Toronto or not.
“Not totally clear on Max Domi, there are sort of mixed signals there,” said Johnston. “Domi is a pending UFA, naturally liked his time in Toronto, and has a long history with the organization. I don’t know if the contract talks have gotten anywhere to compel him to stay. He’s looking for some security right, I would think it would take a 3-4 year deal minimum to compel him to sign before July 1.”
Domi, who has lengthy ties to the organization through his father, Tie, who spent 11 seasons in Toronto, made it clear at the Leafs’ lockout cleanout day that he wanted to remain a Maple Leaf, saying “Do I want to come back? Absolutely," Domi said. "I think this team has everything it takes to do something special and I would love to help them do that."
A couple of weeks back, Domi reiterated his thoughts by adding, “Whatever happens will happen, but I’ve still enjoyed every second as a Leaf. I’d love to come back; it’s a special organization, a special group of guys.”
Ever since Domi threw on the Leafs jersey after signing with the team in July of 2023 on a one-year $3 million contract, he has been a welcoming addition to the roster, loved by fans alike. Domi finished the season with nine goals and 38 assists in 80 regular season games, adding a goal and three assists in seven games against the Boston Bruins in the opening round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
His unwavering passion is commendable and is still an option for the Leafs if they choose to pursue it, as Johnston ended his portion on Domi by saying, “I don’t think the door is totally closed there yet.”
With an estimated $19.7 million in cap room according to Puckpedia.com, the Leafs can afford to splurge on talent in the open market. According to AFP Analytics, Domi is projected to receive a two-year deal with an annual average value of nearly $3.6 million.
In his media availability with reporters on Wednesday, Treliving confirmed they'd like to re-sign some pending unrestricted free-agent forwards, but emphasized figuring out the defense first.
"If you want to give yourself as much flexibility on the blue line, every dollar that you spend up top maybe takes away from that," Treliving said. So we'll continue that, you know, over the course of the time of the next whatever it is till Monday, I guess, is free agency or Monday to whatever the first is. Certainly, some players we'd like to retain. You got X amount of dollars, you got X amount of seats. It's, you know, you just got to see if the math works."
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