Bertuzzi shouldn't even by offered a contract....He really hasn't contributed anywhere near his contract. Minten, too much faith to think he's going to a full time NHLer next season. Gotta think the Leafs need a known 3C

Disagree, Bertuzzi hasn’t produced a ton of points but JT & Willy have struggled at 5v5 past few years; with Bert, they are one of the best lines in the league. He just causes chaos in the offensive zone, a skill set that works well with JT. At one point, everyone is a rookie - Minten (& Cowan) was almost ready this year - they’ll be good next year and our top 6 is so good they can cover over any growing pains. Need players on elc’s contributing

My biggest beef with Dubas was trading away picks....as you suggest you need ELCs playing above their contracts to make the cap. I just wonder if Minten is truly ready. He made the Leafs playing against AHLers, juniors and some NHLer in pre season, he never showed he could play well against true NHLers. Just think he needs more time. Cowan being winger might be more NHL ready, but I wouldn't depend on in for next October

Just a couple of thoughts from a disinterested outsider:

1. Signing Todd Bertuzzi to a 6-year deal seems unnecessarily risky to me -- the danger that he turns into Josh Anderson 2.0 seems very real. Anderson is already showing signs of wear at 29 -- do you really want to commit to a 32-year-old or 33-year-old Todd Bertuzzi?

2. Fraser Minten turns 20 in July, so he can spend a season developing for the Marlies without having to throw him into the deep end prematurely. He should succeed in the WJC and success playing in the AHL could fill him with a world of confidence in 2025.

Thanks for feedback! Bertuzzi term could be less, but more important to keep the aav manageable imo. Guys play effectively into their 30’s all the time now (see Killorn on your team or Tavares on ours) & Bertuzzi’s game is not based on speed so I wouldn’t be too concerned with 6 years. Minten & Cowan showed really well this training camp and are flying back in junior. The way the Leafs are constructed (as are most competitive teams) cap crunch requires elc’s so maybe we will need to rush guys a bit sooner than ideal, but given strength of Leafs top 6 - we can shelter them & live through growing pains