Tyler Bertuzzi is reportedly moving on from the Toronto Maple Leafs and signing a multi-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks in free agency.
The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly signing former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi to a four-year deal at $5.5 million AAV.
It was recently revealed that the Maple Leafs wouldn't be keeping the 29-year-old winger as he priced himself out. Toronto didn't appear to want to go over $5 million AAV, but the Blackhawks had more than enough space and incentive to surround Connor Bedard and company with more help up front.
Bertuzzi is young enough that the term on his deal won't negatively impact the team at any point and by the end of it, many of the prospects will have had some time to develop and join the team in Chicago. He will contribute to the Blackhawks climbing out of the basement of the league.
This will be Bertuzzi's fourth team in his career after being drafted and starting on the Detroit Red Wings, being dealt to the Boston Bruins in 2023, and then signing a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs last season.
Bertuzzi played in the top-6 of the Maple Leafs last season and scored 21 goals and 43 points in 80 games, his most games played in a season in his career. He set a career high in blocks (44), hits (98), and takeaways (44) in 2023-24 as well.
The Sudbury, Ontario native is a four-time 20-goal scorer and one time 30-goal scorer. His career highs in goals (30) and points (62) in 68 games came in 2021-22 with the Red Wings. The Blackhawks are hoping that he can at least be a 20-goal scorer for them and stay healthy throughout the season and his tenure.
There is more to come with the Blackhawks in free agency.
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