The Toronto Maple Leafs are exploring ways to reshape their team identity, and one proposed trade idea would bring back a familiar face known for his grit and chemistry with their star players.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a user suggested a trade that would send forward Tyler Bertuzzi—who spent the 2023-24 season with the Leafs—back to Toronto from the Chicago Blackhawks.
In the deal, Chicago would receive David Kampf and a 2025 fifth-round pick, while retaining $1 million of Bertuzzi’s salary.
Though the offer seems modest, it would allow Chicago to move on from a player who didn’t quite fit, while Toronto regains a physical winger who gelled well with Auston Matthews and could help offset the potential departure of Mitch Marner.
Bertuzzi, who is entering the second year of a four-year, $22 million deal, posted 46 points last season and was a fan favorite during his short stint in Toronto.
Although the Leafs tried to re-sign him last summer, salary cap constraints made it difficult to finalize a deal, and Bertuzzi eventually signed with Chicago.
General Manager Brad Treliving had expressed strong interest in bringing Bertuzzi back but acknowledged the team had multiple needs to address within a limited budget.
Now, with over $25 million in cap space and a mandate to change the team’s “DNA,” the Leafs may revisit the idea of acquiring a player like Bertuzzi to boost their toughness and postseason success.
After another early playoff exit, Treliving made it clear the team needs structural and mental changes to thrive in high-pressure moments.
Reuniting with a proven competitor like Bertuzzi could be a step in that direction.
