2 days Ago By Julia Stumbaugh
The Chicago Blackhawks reportedly landed some offensive talent in support of star forward Connor Bedard on Monday by agreeing to a free-agent contract with forward Tyler Bertuzzi. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period and TSN's Darren Dreger , Bertuzzi and the Blackhawks agreed to a four-year, $22 million contract ahead of the official opening of free agency at noon ET on Monday. Last season the winger recorded 21 goals and 22 assists in 80 contests for the Toronto Maple Leafs on a one-year, $5.
5 million deal. After starting out the campaign on Toronto's top line alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, Bertuzzi was bumped down to the second line to skate alongside John Tavares. He ended up the season back on Matthews' line, this time opposite right winger Max Domi.
Bertuzzi took advantage of those top-line minutes to tie for the team postseason scoring lead with four points (one goal, three assists) during Toronto's seven-game loss to the Boston Bruins in the first round. The former Detroit Red Wings forward may not have eclipsed 60 points since 2021-22 during his final full season in the Motor City, but Chicago has reason to believe he could bounce back this fall in a bigger role. Bertuzzi's 2022-23 campaign was disrupted by a midseason trade, and he struggled to click with Toronto's forward group in 2023-24.
The winger could get back on pace for another 30-goal season if he is able to find better chemistry with the Blackhawks this fall. A 2013 second-round pi.
