Bertuzzi's camp expressed a desire for a long-term contract, but the two parties couldn't bridge the gap on financial terms.
Consequently, the Bruins decided to explore other options, leaving Bertuzzi to test the free agent market.
Bertuzzi's camp wanted a long-term deal. Couldn't find common ground on money. They go to market, Bruins move on to other business.
By the time the "pivot" to a one-year deal happened, Bruins had already committed that cap space to other players.
However, by the time both sides considered a one-year deal as a potential compromise, the Bruins had already allocated their remaining cap space to other players.