Free agent signing could remain in Toronto long-term despite signing 1-year deal

Insiders have already reported that both Bertuzzi and the Leafs had originally eyed a longer deal, but the Leafs' cap uncertainty past this season was prohibitive and the two sides decided to go with the short-term option instead.

On TSN1050's First Up on Tuesday, TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston was asked about a potential extension for Bertuzzi in Toronto. He, unsurprisingly, feels that it's certainly possible.

"They both get a chance to see what the fit looks like. You have to see what it's like playing as a Leaf. Some guys love it, some not so much and you know from the team side of things they have to gauge the fit and where the player's at... He was one of the top players heading into free agency on July 1st and the big new contract doesn't manifest for him and he has to regroup and sign a 1-year deal with the Leafs at the money he was looking for, but not the security many expected he would get... it can be hard to fit in... I certainly think if the first few months of the season go well, [an extension is] something we'll be talking about and if [the Leafs] look to take advantage of signing him come January 1st."

The signing of Bertuzzi has been received very well by Leaf fans during Brad Treliving's short tenure as Leafs GM as he adds an element to the Leafs' top-six that the team has desperately needed in the playoffs. Despite injury issues over the past few seasons, Bertuzzi was one of the Bruins' best players in the post-season a few months ago, registering 10 points in 7 games and should provide the Leafs with some much-needed secondary scoring along with the "snot" and sandpaper that he brings to the table.