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Toronto Maple Leafs Could Reunite With Former Forward Amid Buyout Rumors
With the Toronto Maple Leafs looking to improve in free agency, they may just find themselves looking towards the Chicago Blackhawks for some talent.
After playing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tyler Bertuzzi moved on to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he signed a four-year deal worth $22 million.
In 82 games, Bertuzzi was only able to finish with 46 points. While this isn't terrible by any means, it is not good enough to justify a contract worth $5.5 million per season.
As a result, there has been all sorts of speculation that the forward might get boughtout with free agency coming up on July 1st.
Would Tyler Bertuzzi return to the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Jim Lynch of BlackhawkUp makes the argument that a Bertuzzi buyout would actually be a disaster for the Blackhawks given the fact that he adds depth to the roster.
Furthermore, Lynch thinks Bertuzzi could benefit from an improved roster that would give him more opportunities to get some points.
General manager Kyle Davidson should give Bertuzzi another chance to make his mark on the Hawks next season.
With another top pick on the way, and some potential help in the free agency market-Chicago should have a better roster in 2025-26. Bertuzzi could find his role in a deeper lineup, one where he can shine as a middle six forward.
Using a buyout on Bertuzzi would also take away a potential return in a trade. If Bertuzzi is struggling and still hasn't jelled with the roster by next January the Hawks would be able to retain some salary and trade Bertuzzi with the possibility to bring back an asset to the organization.
With another top pick on the way, and some potential help in the free agency market-Chicago should have a better roster in 2025-26. Bertuzzi could find his role in a deeper lineup, one where he can shine as a middle six forward.
Using a buyout on Bertuzzi would also take away a potential return in a trade. If Bertuzzi is struggling and still hasn't jelled with the roster by next January the Hawks would be able to retain some salary and trade Bertuzzi with the possibility to bring back an asset to the organization.
With that being said, Bertuzzi remains a buyout candidate, and as Hockey Patrol argues, this could give the Leafs a great opportunity.
Bertuzzi was a solid player for the Leafs a while back, and the fans would be glad to have him back in an official capacity.
Whether or not general manager Brad Treliving wants to make that happen, still remains to be seen. After all, the GM has a lot to think about over the coming weeks.
Needless to say, things are ramping up right now, and if you are a Leafs fan, there is a lot to cheer for, even if Mitch Marner decides to walk.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 456 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Could Reunite With Former Forward Amid Buyout Rumors Do you think Tyler Bertuzzi should return to the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 174 | 38.2 % |
| NO | 282 | 61.8 % |
| List of polls | ||