“Huge Boost” Maple Leafs, Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi Have Expressed Interest In Getting Deals Done
During his post-season availability, Domi stated that he would like to return to Toronto; but, negotiating a reasonable deal might be more difficult said than done.
During his final-season media availability, Max Domi discussed his experience with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was directly asked if he would be interested in joining the team again.
“Yes,” he responded without hesitation.
Pierre Lebrun of TSN reports that the discussion has begun.
Lebrun writes in his most recent article for The Athletic that the Leafs and Domi’s agent, Judd Moldaver, have previously discussed “expressing mutual interest in getting a deal done.” But no numbers have been traded as of yet,” he stated.
Rumblings on Guentzel, Kane, Stamkos, Lindholm, Domi and more as NHL free-agent market gets ready to heat up.
My latest for @TheAthletic ⤵️ https://t.co/PsukPXwdpc— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 24, 2024
Because the Leafs own Domi’s rights through July 1st, they have the unique right to negotiate with players before the other thirty-one clubs. The 29-year-old signed a $3 million, one-year contract with Toronto, but it’s thought the player may be hoping for a longer contract and more money this time around.
Despite his 38 assists and nine goals, Domi’s greatest strength may have been his ability to fill in on the right side of Auston Matthews while Mitch Marner was sidelined by injury. Domi stuck by Matthews’ right flank throughout the team’s first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins, even when Marner made a comeback.
LeBrun believes that a five- or six-year agreement at $5–$6 million closes the deal, but does Toronto have such plans? A commitment to Domi is easier to arrange if a situation arises when Marner, who had a year left on his contract, is moved.
Desire towards Bertuzzi
The Maple Leafs and Domi share a desire to have Tyler Bertuzzi rejoin the team. However, Todd Reynolds, Bertuzzi’s agent, notes that it will not be easy.
According to Todd Reynolds, Bertuzzi’s agent, “it’s early, but it’s out there that the Leafs want to re-sign him.” LeBrun heard this. “We’ll observe this situation.”
This past summer, Bertuzzi signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract to play with the Leafs. Despite having trouble getting going early in the season, he managed to finish with 21 goals and 22 assists in 80 games.
Bertuzzi is viewed by Reynolds as a highly sought-after player because he has played on the first line with the best players on the last three teams he has been a member of. Bertuzzi, 29, is probably going to be searching for a term, much like Domi.
TJ Brodie’s chances of staying with the Maple Leafs appear diminished
In the last year of his four-year, $20 million deal with the Leafs, TJ Brodie failed. He went from being a consistent top-four defenseman to being benched for all but one of the team’s playoff games in 2024.
LeBrun states that while certain clubs are anticipated to show interest in Brodie, all indications point to the 33-year-old perhaps playing elsewhere next season.
“Whether in Toronto or somewhere else, he looks forward to playing in the National Hockey League next year,” Brodie’s agent, Paul Capizzano, told LeBrun.
