Re-Signing Tyler Bertuzzi & Max Domi Is a Bad Move for the Toronto Maple Leafs…

Every time I go online, I see reports suggesting the Toronto Maple Leafs should re-sign Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi, and I just don’t understand why.

What makes Bertuzzi and Domi so special that the Maple Leafs should allocate nearly $10 million of their salary cap to these two players?

When the Leafs signed them last year, it was a sensible risk because they were both on one-year “prove-it” contracts. Instead of long-term deals as unrestricted free agents, they gambled on Toronto, hoping to secure better deals this summer.

What did the 2023-24 season reveal about these players that warrants a long-term extension? For most of the first half of the season, Bertuzzi struggled to score, going two months without a goal before heating up late. Yet, when the playoffs arrived, he disappeared again. Despite playing in the top six, he managed just one goal and didn’t help the team advance.

As for Domi, I might consider re-signing him, but only at the right price. He demonstrated good playmaking ability and helped create offense, but he struggled to score, finishing the season with just nine goals. Given his versatility at center and his playmaking skills, I could see him returning to Toronto, but only at a similar salary ($3 million AAV).

Toronto Maple Leafs Should Not Re-Sign Both Bertuzzi and Domi

If Domi is offered a long-term deal, it would be a waste of money. A one- or two-year contract at $3 million would be acceptable, but signing both players is unnecessary.

The Leafs have a strong offense and should use the money saved from not re-signing Bertuzzi to promote from within. Players like Nick Robertson, Easton Cowan, or Fraser Minten could potentially replace Bertuzzi in the top six. The $5 million saved could then be better spent on goaltending, defense, or a significant offensive contributor.

If the Leafs are seriously considering trading Mitch Marner, they could afford to pursue high-impact players like Jonathan Marchessault, Sam Reinhart, Steven Stamkos, or Jake Guentzel. Instead of potentially 25 goals from Bertuzzi at $5-6 million, wouldn’t it be better to spend $8-10 million on one of those proven playoff performers?

Bertuzzi is unlikely to make a significant impact in the playoffs, unlike those other players who have a track record of performing well in the Stanley Cup Finals. Re-signing Bertuzzi would be a waste of time.