Go to Toronto! Pastrnak’s star teammate signed as a free agent with the Maple Leafs

This year’s free agent market was one of the “most boring” in recent years, offering no big stars. One of the most pursued players was Tyler Bertuzzi, who eventually signed in Toronto.

it wasn’t until this past March that the 28-year-old forward first donned an NHL jersey other than the Detroit Red Wings’ red one. He moved from Hockeytown to Boston, where he became part of the NHL’s best-ever regular season team.

In 21 games, he scored 4 goals and added 12 assists. But he was even better in the playoffs, where he accumulated a 5+5 record in seven games. But it wasn’t enough to advance and the Bruins lost to Florida.

Bertuzzi’s contract expired and he entered the free agent market. It was expected that Boston would want to extend his contract, but at the same time there was talk that Bertuzzi would want a very long contract, which is a big risk with his injury history.

In the end, though, it came as a shock from out of the blue. Bertuzzi signed with Toronto, even more shocking is the type of contract. He threw away plans for a “longterm” contract and signed for just one year for $5.5 million.

That’s a great deal from Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving. Up until now, he was rather criticized by fans for the big contract for fourth line center David Kämpf and the signing of veteran Ryan Reaves, but now he has received well-deserved praise.

And why did Bertuzzi only sign for one year? Because the salary cap is going up next season and it’s quite possible that’s what the Canadian forward is targeting. This year he might not get the contract he wants with the team he wants to play for, but that will change next season.

Bertuzzi will be a great addition to the Maple Leafs and could fit in either on the first line with Matthews and Marner or on the second line with Tavares and Nylander.

Source: NHL