BREAKING NEWS: Re-signing Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi is a terrible idea for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
I really don’t get the reports that indicate the Toronto Maple Leafs should re-sign Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi that I see every time I go online.
What makes Bertuzzi and Domi so exceptional, and why should the Toronto Maple Leafs allocate nearly $10 million of their salary budget to these two players?
Both of them were on one-year “prove-it” deals when the Leafs signed them last year, so it was a respectable endeavor. Rather from committing to long-term contracts as UFAs, they gambled on Toronto in the hopes of making money this summer.What did the Leafs do in 2023–24 that would warrant a long-term deal for either player? Bertuzzi was unable to score for most of the season’s first half.
It took him two months to score a goal before he eventually found success close to the campaign’s conclusion. But he vanished once more when the playoffs began. He scored just one goal while in the starting lineup, and he had little impact on this team’s postseason progress.
Regarding Domi, if the price were right, I might genuinely be tempted to sign him. Despite his ability to create offense and be a good facilitator, Domi was unable to score. He only managed nine goals at the end of the season due to his snakebite. But given his centering abilities and playmaking ability, I could see him coming back to Toronto—but only if his salary remains the same ($3 million AAV).
It’s a waste of money to sign him for a long-term contract; however, I can see a return at $3 million for a one- or two-year deal, so they shouldn’t sign both.
The Leafs should utilize that money to promote from within rather than re-signing Bertuzzi because they are a potent offensive squad. One of those three players—Fraser Minten, Easton Cowan, or Nick Robertson—should be capable of taking Bertuzzi’s spot in the starting lineup. After that, the $5 million that Bertuzzi saved should be allocated on either goalkeeping, defense, or an offensive weapon that makes a big difference.
The Leafs can afford to take a chance on one of Jonathan Marchessault, Sam Reinhart, Steven Stamkos, or Jake Guentzel if they are considering selling Mitch Marner. Wouldn’t you rather spend $8–10 million on one of those four players I just described rather than $5–6 million on Bertuzzi, who could score 25 goals?
In the postseason, Bertuzzi won’t make a big impact, but one of those four players definitely will. Re-signing Bertuzzi is a waste of time because they’ve all shown they can produce in Stanley Cup Finals and the playoffs.
Leave a Reply