Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi could be on way out of Toronto

There's only so much room under the constraints of the NHL salary cap, and the Toronto Maple Leafs could soon be forced to make some difficult decisions regarding player personnel.

And while there's plenty of smoke regarding the futures of franchise icons Mitch Marner and John Tavares in Toronto, another pair of players who are immediately up for new deals are Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi, both of whom signed one-year contracts last summer.

But just what does general manager Brad Treliving have up his sleeve? Don't be surprised to see one or both of them not retained so that the team can focus more on defensive additions. According to James Mirtle and Jonas Siegel of The Athletic, the Leafs aren't opposed to bringing them back, but defense is the priority:

"The Leafs aren't against bringing Bertuzzi and Domi back but want to keep the bulk of their cap space available heading into July 1st for defense. Their return to Toronto may hinge on being able to circle back after the initial wave of UFA signings takes place around the league on Monday."

After a slower start to the season offensively, Bertuzzi would ultimately score 21 goals with 22 assists and contributed a goal with three assists in the playoffs, a seven-game series loss to his former Boston Bruins teammates. Domi, who is the son of Leafs icon Tie Domi, he scored nine goals with 38 assists in 80 games, while also adding goal and trio of assists in the playoffs.

Domi earned $3 million on his one-year contract with the Leafs this past season, while Bertuzzi clocked in at a slightly higher AAV of $5 million.

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