Exclusive: Maple Leafs set to extend the contract of their favorite star man….read more.

Forward Tyler Bertuzzi has been largely unreliable since the 2020–21 NHL season began, partly because of his difficulty to maintain his health for the full season. Only 127 of the 220 regular season games that Bertuzzi might have played for the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings were actually completed.

Bertuzzi signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the offseason of last year after failing to secure a multiyear contract. Bertuzzi arrived in Toronto with the grit the Maple Leafs were lusting for over the offseason, but he struggled to live up to his expectations in terms of goals scored, managing just six goals and twenty-one points in his first fifty games.

However, Bertuzzi’s attacking production did eventually increase towards the end of the regular season, as he finished with 15 goals and 22 points in his final 30 games. Just two weeks ago, it was speculated that Bertuzzi might be willing to sign a contract extension with the Maple Leafs. David Pagnotta of TheFourthPeriod has since stated that there is mutual affection between the two parties. Bertuzzi appears to be enjoying his time in Toronto.

Given that Toronto has once again fallen short of the team’s high postseason expectations, the NBA as a whole believes that significant roster changes will occur this summer. While there have been speculations of the “Core Four” being broken apart in the past, the present rumors seem to be far more credible than the rumors from previous years.

Aside from Bertuzzi’s impending unrestricted free agency, the Maple Leafs still need to resolve their goaltender dilemma, locate a head coach, and assemble a strong defensive core. If Bertuzzi is looking to sign a multiyear deal this summer, he could have to accept a lower AAV than anticipated unless Toronto is able to clear more salary space in the course of their anticipated busy offseason.

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Hall of Famer Backs Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs

Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs has the support of NHL Hall of Famer Adam Oates.

Fans criticized Marner for his play after the Maple Leafs lost to the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs. Although Oates feels the forward is receiving too much criticism, the forward didn’t live up to his expectations.

“When Nylander yelled at Williams. To begin with, Nylander, you don’t play against the greatest of everyone. Let’s be clear: you compete against everyone’s second-best player. Secondly, he took offense with (Auston) Matthews’ poor turnover at the blue line. He’s upset about that, which is why he chucked his gloves. Why? Because he is aware that people will blame him in the paper tomorrow,” Oates stated on The Cam & Strick Podcast.

There was a 1-for-20 power play. They would still be playing if they were 5-for-20. They wouldn’t be whining right now if he had three or four more points, would they? Thus, you are now looking at the power play. Naturally. I take assuming that’s one coach, ten guys, and two units? as well as the head coach. It’s never just one guy, and I feel horrible for him because his market makes things really challenging. Pastrnak scored the game-winning goal, for which he is being held accountable. It seems to anyone who follows hockey that they were regrouping in the neutral zone. Regarding Marner, Oates went on, “So F1 changed, and he jumped over for F1. Pastrnak’s not his responsibility at all.”

Marner finished the playoffs with one goal, two assists, and three points from seven games.

Oates, on the other hand, participated in 1,337 NHL games, scoring 1,420 points (341 goals and 1,079 assists). In 2012, he was admitted to the Hall of Fame.

Marner Is Content to Stay in Toronto
Despite being used as a scapegoat by Maple Leafs supporters, Marner is a talented forward who wants to stay with the group.

Marner’s contract is expiring in a year, but the forward stated during locker cleaning day that he would like to sign an extension.

According to NHL.com, Marner stated, “That would be a goal.” “I’ve said how much I adore this city and this place. I have, of course, grown up here. We’ll get to work on that right away and try to come up with a solution.

Marner does, however, have a complete no movement clause, which gives him the freedom to reject any deal and stay in Toronto if he so desires.

Marner had 85 points in 69 games last season with 26 goals and 59 assists.

Marner’s Defense by Matthews
Marner received a lot of criticism from the local media and fans following Toronto’s elimination in Game 7 of the opening round of the playoffs.

On locker cleaning day, though, Matthews defended Marner and had nothing but good things to say about him.

“There will always be someone to blame… According to Matthews, via The Hockey News, “We love Mitchy.” “He’s an excellent friend, rival, and team member. We’re all just people at the end of the day, and as players, you assume a lot, and with good reason. It’s difficult for everyone to witness someone go through anything like that.

After getting sick, Matthews had an ailment that kept him out of Games 5 and 6.