Tyler Bertuzzi all but gone in Toronto and the Avalanche are to blame for it

The hockey world was taken aback when the Avalanche secured a hefty 3-year contract extension with Casey Mittelstadt, a move that could set a new benchmark for player contracts in his range just days before free agency. As a result, it may have boosted Tyler Bertuzzi's value.

Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reports this deal carries a significant cap hit of $5.75M per season for Mittelstadt. Considering his career stats—66 goals and 196 points in 357 NHL games—the figure is eye-opening, particularly for a player who hasn't surpassed the 60-point mark in a season yet. At 25, Mittelstadt's performance might not see dramatic improvements, setting a curious precedent for player valuations.

On the other hand, Tyler Bertuzzi's track record with 113 goals and 261 points across 406 games, including a 30-goal season in 2021-22, highlights his case for a contract that exceeds that of Mittelstadt. Bertuzzi's next contract could well surpass the $6M mark now, a figure that might be too rich for the Leafs under the current cap situation.

The Leafs are not just looking to manage their forwards but are also eyeing significant gaps in their defensive lineup this offseason, alongside the need to secure a backup goalie to complement Joseph Woll's expected extension. With a budget of only $19.7M to cover these critical positions, the Leafs are in a tight spot.

The implications of the Avalanche's deal are clear: it could potentially push Bertuzzi out of Toronto, a scenario that Leafs fans would find disheartening but might become necessary given the fiscal constraints. This situation underscores the complex interplay of player performance, market dynamics, and team strategy in the NHL.

Keep an eye on how this develops, as the Leafs navigate their cap space and roster needs. The outcome of these negotiations will likely influence not just the team's composition but also its competitive edge in the upcoming season.