However, it wasn't the acquisition of Bertuzzi that caught people off guard, but rather the astonishing contract they managed to secure him with. Bertuzzi inked a one-year agreement with the Maple Leafs, carrying a cap hit of 5.5 million dollars.
Initial reports had indicated that Bertuzzi had been seeking a long-term contract, but it seems that no team could accommodate his request. Now, Bertuzzi is taking a gamble on himself by signing a one-year deal alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.
Several teams, including Florida, Nashville, and Carolina, could have offered Bertuzzi a one-year contract. However, they are now grappling with the humiliation of their limited financial capabilities.
