Breaking: Maple Leafs sign Tyler Bertuzzi.

The Maple Leafs have signed one of the top free agent forwards that remained available this summer.

According to a report from National Hockey League insider Chris Johnston, the Leafs have inked Tyler Bertuzzi to a one year deal worth $5.5 million. 

This is clearly a case of Tyler Bertuzzi betting on himself in the hopes of earning a bigger pay day as the NHL's salary cap increases in the next couple of years. The $5.5 million he will earn this season represents a significant raise from the $4.75 million he earned last season, but it comes with very little security given the lack of term.

The price tag for the Leafs at $5.5 million may seem high, but it is a relatively low risk deal from the organization given the lack of term.

The 28 year old Bertuzzi split last season between the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins, but it would be during his tenure with the Bruins that he truly elevated his play. Over 21 regular season games he had 4 goals and 12 assists for a total of 16 points, and he stepped his game up even further in the playoffs with 5 goals and 5 assists for a total of 10 points over a 7 game losing effort in the first round against the Florida Panthers.