Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: Can Maple Leafs Replace Bertuzzi?; Buffalo Blunders

Published

1 month ago

August 28, 2024

Tag Bertuzzi, associated Press, Maple Leafs

One of the Toronto Maple Leafs most pressing issues heading into the 2024-25 NHL season is how to replace left wing Tyler Bertuzzi.

Even though he was slow to find his game in Toronto, Bertuzzi was a key performer by the end of the season. The Chicago Blackhawks were happy to give him a four-year deal worth $22 million.

That leaves the Maple Leafs with a large hole.

Sportsnet’s Luke Fox recently looked at the Maple Leafs’ options both inside and outside the organization. Toronto’s top internal candidates (Mathew Knies, Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson) all have promise. Robertson’s candidacy is complicated by the fact he has asked to be traded. He is unsigned.

The most intriguing external candidate might be Max Pacioretty. Lot of talk in the hockey world about how hard he is working to be an impact player again.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Hockey Hall of Fame coach Scotty Bowman saddened by Mnatsakanov’s death.

Dominik Kubalik is among a few former Red Wings who are still looking for NHL employment.

Paywall story: Did you know that the list of former Detroit Red Wings Hall of Famers includes Doug Harvey? It’s easy forget that Harvey played briefly for Detroit. He’s one of six former Red Wings on our list of top players whose time in Detroit sometimes is forgotten. To subscribe, click here:

Red Wings Offseason

Detroit prospect Red Savage has been named as one of the captains for the MSU hockey team. The son of former NHL player Brian Savage posted 27 points in 38 games last season for the Spartans.