Reports: Tyler Bertuzzi, Blackhawks Agree To Four-Year Deal

Tyler Bertuzzi knows a thing or two about rebuilds after spending considerable time in one with the Detroit Red Wings. Now he’s going back into one–albeit hoping to be one of the big pieces to help the Blackhawks out of it.

Tyler Bertuzzi is expected to sign with the Chicago Blackhawks on a four-year deal once free agency officially opens, confirmed by @DarrenDreger. pic.twitter.com/nCV8EV8usn

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 1, 2024

Bertuzzi is a scrappy forward who spent his last two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins following a five-year stint with the Red Wings. Drafted by Detroit, he netted 30 goals back in 2021-22 and had 21 goals with 43 points last year with the Maple Leafs.

Beloved by his teammates and a fan favorite, Blackhawks fans will quickly warmup to the 30-year-old who will sacrifice his body for the team.

Tyler Bertuzzi Hallmarks: Snarl, Streaky Scoring

Bertuzzi will delight fans with his nose for the net, a guy who will fight for the greasy goals and seek to get under the skin of the opponent. He’s scored 20 or more goals four times in his career but consistency is where he tends to frustrate a bit. After his 30-goal season in Detroit, he struggled to replicate the feat, burying only four goals before before being dealt to Boston.

With the Bruins, he had 16 points in 21 games and the moved onto the Maple Leafs where he potted 21 goals and held his own in the playoffs. He’ll be a constant presence in front of the net and will get the lionshare of his goals from redirections or banging in rebounds.

But his goals came later in the season in 2023-24, and that speaks to his streaky scoring that, outside of the 30-goal season, marks his career. Injuries have also been a concern, but last season was his first where he reached 80 games.

As for price tag–it meets what financially Bertuzzi would have been seeking along with a little more term that other teams weren’t willing to include with the financials. Bertuzzi will also be one to go after other players for an issue last season that occurred–running Connor Bedard and some of the younger players. It’s where he’ll endear himself to the fanbase most.

As written about here at CHN a few weeks back, it’s a risk/reward signing. Bertuzzi will frustrate at times, but he’ll be a quick fan favorite for his snarl and knack to get goals when they’ll need them.

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