Free Agent Frenzy: Treliving retools Leafs with several free agent signings – opinion

Bertuzzi, Domi, Reaves are in, O’Reilly, Bunting and Schenn are out

TORONTO, July 3, 2023 – One hour ago, when this article was due, I was prepared to criticize the Toronto Maple Leafs’ new general manager, Brad Treliving, and hold him responsible for further disappointment among the team’s loyal fans. Since his hiring by Shanahan, he has let go of some exceptional talent, including Luke Schenn, who was arguably the Leafs’ best defenseman in the playoffs, Ryan O’Reilly, a true leader with plenty of skill remaining, Noel Acciari, one of the league’s top hitters, and Michael Bunting, a consistent 20-goal scorer who also happens to be close friends with Matthews. Additionally, Treliving signed a few unknown defensemen and added John Kligberg, a talented offensive defenseman who may unfortunately face the same fate as Larry Murphy and Dion Phaneuf, among other Leafs players who the Leafs Nation loved to hate (let’s hope not).

Initially, it seemed like Treliving was attempting to erase the influence of former GM Kyle Dubas and build a team in his own image, consisting of tough players like recent signing Ryan Reaves. However, everything has changed in the past hour.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, under their new general manager, have potentially found the missing piece for a Stanley Cup appearance. No, they haven’t traded for Zack Hyman or brought back Nazem Kadri. They haven’t employed any Disney de-aging techniques on Doug Gilmour, Wendel Clark, or Mats Sundin. Instead, they have finally signed a power forward in the prime of his career: Tyler Bertuzzi.

Last season, Bertuzzi split his time between the Detroit Red Wings and the President’s Trophy-winning Boston Bruins. He tallied 30 points in 50 games, including an impressive playoff performance that saw him score 5 goals in 7 games and chip in 5 assists. For the first time since Auston Matthews joined the Leafs, he will have a legitimate power forward as his linemate, someone capable of retrieving pucks from the corners, establishing a presence in front of the net, and, most importantly, creating space for Marner and Matthews to showcase their magic in the playoffs.

Bertuzzi is arguably Toronto’s version of Cam Neely (albeit a little lighter on the scales), a young Brendan Shanahan, Michael “Krusher” Krushelnyski and other gritty wingers who were never afraid to complete a Gordie Howe hat trick.

The most compelling aspect of this signing is that Mitch Marner, who is relatively small in stature, will finally have some on ice protection, especially when the games truly matter. It is undeniable that before the implementation of the instigator rule, superstars had more room on the ice to exhibit their skills. Gretzky had Semenko, Yzerman had Probert, Hawerchuk had Jimmy Mann, Bure had Gino Odjick, Hakan Loob had Tim Hunter, and the list goes on. If Matthew Knies develops into the player he demonstrated he could be in the first round, Toronto’s top six forward group should be formidable.

Testosterone, truculence, and belligerence are still crucial factors for the Leafs, despite having little money left after signing Bertuzzi. They still need a starting goalie, preferably Samsonov, who showed moments of brilliance last year. They also require a few more bottom six players to add depth to their high powered offense and a couple of defensemen who possess the level of aggression and toughness that Brian Burke once famously stated the team needed.

DOMI’S BACK IN TOWN!

This just in! After securing the signing of Tyler Bertuzzi, Treliving continued his successful streak by inking Max Domi to a one-year contract worth 3 million dollars. Toronto born and bred, Max brings speed and skill to the table as a third line centre who excels at penalty killing and has the potential to score twenty goals given the opportunity. He represents a significant upgrade over Alex Kerfoot and injects the Leafs with the passion and intensity they have been missing for the past six seasons. Much like his father, Max wears his heart on his sleeve and plays the game with unwavering dedication.

With these subtractions and additions are the Leafs any closer to winning the Cup? Treliving probably needs to go out and buy a few more ingredients – a challenge considering the Leafs a few million over the cap right now – but a parade down Yonge Street isn’t out of the question.

by Myles Shane

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