Former Maple Leafs winger makes Brad Treliving look silly with season for the ages

Tyler Bertuzzi is someone who had a solid season with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2023-24 season, as he managed 21 goals and 43 points.

During the offseason, general manager Brad Treliving passed up an extension on the forward, as he felt that the price was just too high given his production.

At the time, Treliving looked to be correct. Bertuzzi signed with the Chicago Blackhawks on a four-year, $22 million deal that some felt was the product of tampering.

Last season, Bertuzzi had 46 points and 23 goals. Solid production, but was it worth the $5.5 million AAV? Well, this season, Bertuzzi is going all out, and the Leafs are feeling pretty stupid.

Through 39 games, Bertuzzi already has 22 goals and 34 points, meaning he is on pace for the most productive season of his NHL career.

According to Frank Seravalli, the forward is on pace for 45 goals and is tied for the 10th most goals in the entire NHL, which just goes to show he has been a beast.

While Bertuzzi could fall off the proverbial cliff at any moment, it seems clear that this is a phenomenal season for him, and he is really doing his best to put the Blackhawks on his back alongside Connor Bedard.

Sure, the Blackhawks might not make the postseason, but they are certainly getting their money's worth out of Bertuzzi, who could not be better given the price.

For Treliving, this is going to be another egg on his face moment for the general manager, who once again passed on a solid offensive talent.

The Maple Leafs need to score goals, and they could certainly use Bertuzzi's 22, which is more than what Auston Matthews has right now.

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