The Boston Bruins made noteworthy acquisitions before the NHL trade deadline, including Dmitry Orlov and Tyler Bertuzzi. Although they didn't achieve their ultimate goal this season, pending unrestricted free agent Tyler Bertuzzi had an impressive impact during his tenure in Boston and caught the attention of many.
According to Black and Gold, a Bruins website, they believe that Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney should and is likely to prioritize re-signing Bertuzzi. The 28-year-old is at the end of his two-year, $9.5 million ($4.75 million AAV) contract he signed with the Detroit Red Wings, and he is undoubtedly due for a pay raise. Bertuzzi could earn a higher contract value on the open market with another team, so Boston would need to move significant money to retain a player of his caliber.
Still, one thing is certain, Don Sweeney and Evan Gold have demonstrated their expertise recently in avoiding salary cap violations.
"We loved it [in Boston]. Honestly, we had such a blast. We were in the North End eating pasta every day and going for walks, so we enjoyed every day here,» said Bertuzzi. «We could definitely see [staying here].
The fans here are awesome, the arenaeverything. I loved it. Having a little girl that will be going to school soon, there will be a lot of factors that will be going in [to a free agency decision]. But I'll make the decision.»
Bertuzzi as a Bruin just makes sense. The style he plays, and that grit he has, it fits the Bruins edgy style. Hopefully Don Sweeney can work out a deal to have Bertuzzi back next season.
