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JUST IN: Toronto Maple Leafs May Opt To Keep A Forward On A $5,500,000 Contract And Are Leaning Towards Not Retaining T.J. Brodie
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ attention will soon turn to the roster as they concentrate on selecting a new head coach. For the 2024–25 season, the Maple Leafs have $19.4 million in available salary cap space, which gives them flexibility to bolster their squad and potentially hold onto certain pending unrestricted free agents.
Top scorer Tyler Bertuzzi, who may become a UFA on July 1, is one player the Leafs have already indicated interest in re-signing, according to TFP’s David Pagnotta.According to Pagnotta’s report, the Leafs and Bertuzzi have expressed a mutual desire to talk about a new contract. Though they have not yet begun, contract negotiations are anticipated to get underway upon the hiring of the new coach.
In the previous offseason, 29-year-old Bertuzzi agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He improved his play in the second half of the season, recording 29 of his 43 points after January 2024. Both parties anticipate pursuing a multi-year deal.
Additionally, the article suggests that the Leafs might have expressed interest in keeping forward Max Domi. Defenseman T.J. Brodie, on the other hand, is anticipated to test free agency this summer and has apparently not received the same indication from Treliving.
Once the coaching situation is addressed and the season proceeds, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ personnel decisions, including the possible re-signing of Tyler Bertuzzi and the departure of Bobby Brody, will become clearer.
GM Brad Treliving is reportedly firming up the coaching post, with former St. Louis Blues coach Craig Berube a front-runner for the Toronto Maple Leafs head coaching position. As per TFP’s David Pagnotta, the Maple Leafs plan to appoint their next coach this week, and a decision is anticipated by the weekend.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reaffirmed on Wednesday’s episode of 32 Thoughts that, in spite of some doubts, Berube is still “the guy” for the Leafs. Friedman said, “To me, he’s the guy, but nothing is done until it’s done.”
After Sheldon Keefe was fired last week, the search allegedly started last week, with Treliving stressing the need to make thoughtful selections instead of rushing into things and find the proper person.
Berube spoke with the Leafs on Saturday, but no hiring decision has been made. Frank Seravalli of DailyFaceoff reports that Berube also conducted interviews with the New Jersey Devils and the Winnipeg Jets.
During the press conference to conclude the season, Treliving emphasized, “We’re not waiting. We will be meticulous. However, we are aware that there are some excellent applicants available.
Our goal is to obtain them as quickly as we can.” Todd McLellan has also been interviewed by the Toronto Maple Leafs, demonstrating their meticulousness in choosing their candidates. With tasks for the offseason to come, a coaching choice is anticipated shortly.
