We are less than a week away from NHL free agency. The 2023/2024 season is over, which means it's time to look ahead to next year. For the Buffalo Sabres, it's going to be a critical offseason for general manager Kevyn Adams. One player who the Sabres should target in free agency is left winger Tyler Bertuzzi.
In 80 games played with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, Bertuzzi scored 21 goals and recorded 22 assists for 43 points. He was also a +2. Adams did say that he wants to add a top six scorer in the offseason and if other options are off the table, Bertuzzi would be the perfect signing.
Not only can he score, but he is a pain in the neck to play against. Grit is something Buffalo lacks. If they are able to sign Bertuzzi, it's a huge upgrade to the grit department. In the postseason with the Maple Leafs, he only scored one goal and registered three assists. Back in 2022/2023 though, when he was on the Boston Bruins, he had five goals and five assists.
If the Sabres want to end the playoff drought, signing a player like Bertuzzi could help. He has been around the Atlantic Division as he was originally with the Detroit Red Wings before going to Boston and Toronto. His best season was in 2021/2022 with the Red Wings as he scored 30 goals with 32 assists.
Bertuzzi is exactly the kind of player Buffalo needs. He can produce offensively and can throw the body around. With the addition of Tyler and with the current core of players, it would be a step in the right direction for the Sabres.
Bertuzzi's cap hit was $5,500,00 with Toronto last season, so Buffalo could most likely sign him to a similar contract depending on how much cap space they have.