The Toronto Maple Leafs must prepare for the possibility that one of Tyler Bertuzzi or Max Domi may not be returning to the team next season. During a recent interview on First Up, TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger stated that the way the roster’s contracts are structured, and considering that both Bertuzzi and Domi require some certainty in their next deals, locking up both players will be very hard.
Domi is on fire right now, coming off a game with four assists. When asked if there was talk of an extension, Dreger stated that there is mutual interest between the Maple Leafs and Domi in getting something done, but the obvious issue is that the Maple Leafs do not have a “bottomless pit” of money with the extensions for William Nylander and Auston Matthews coming in. He stated the same thing about Bertuzzi, who has three goals and five points in the last four games.
The Maple Leafs Must Be Aware of Inconsistency Issues and Money
Not only is the financial side of any deal a concern, but so is Domi and Bertuzzi’s consistency in production. He stated that they are currently playing quite well, but this has not been the case throughout the season. Can the Leafs spend in both players if they aren’t sure they can continue a pace that deserves a significant raise?
“These guys are at an age where the money matters, the term matters.” Dreger went on to say. He stated that it will take much more to avoid testing the market. “I don’t think they can afford both.”
