The Tyler Bertuzzi saga in Toronto has come to a close.
The 29-year old winger is set to head to the Chicago Blackhawks, Sportsnet can confirm.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period was first to report the deal on Monday.
It marks Bertuzzi’s third NHL franchise since departing the Detroit Red Wings before the 2023 trade deadline.
Bertuzzi racked up 43 points during his single season with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2023-24. He was brought in by GM Brad Treliving to provide an offensive spark in the team’s top six, to which he was able to provide in hot spurts rather than consistently throughout his brief tenure in Toronto.
While a Bruin, Bertuzzi became a frontman on the team’s attack during its 2023 first-round series with the Florida Panthers, racking up interest from several teams in the league, including Toronto, following a team-leading 10 point showing across seven games.
Bertuzzi returned to the playoff picture once more in 2024, posting just four points in Toronto’s first-round exit to the Bruins.
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the potential signing of Tyler Bertuzzi with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 26-year-old forward is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, and many teams are reportedly interested in acquiring his services.
Bertuzzi has spent his entire NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, where he has established himself as a reliable and consistent contributor on the ice. In the 2020-2021 season, he recorded 19 goals and 26 assists in 49 games, showcasing his offensive prowess and playmaking abilities.
The Blackhawks, who are looking to bolster their roster and make a push for the playoffs next season, could benefit greatly from adding a player of Bertuzzi’s caliber. His scoring touch and physical style of play would add a new dimension to their lineup and provide much-needed depth at the forward position.
However, signing Bertuzzi will not come cheap for the Blackhawks. With his impressive performance last season, he is expected to command a significant contract in free agency. It remains to be seen whether Chicago is willing to meet his asking price or if they will explore other options to improve their roster.
Overall, the potential signing of Tyler Bertuzzi with the Blackhawks has the potential to be a game-changer for both parties. His skillset and experience could help Chicago make a push for the postseason, while Bertuzzi could benefit from a change of scenery and the opportunity to compete for a championship with a new team. Only time will tell if this deal comes to fruition, but it is certainly an exciting prospect for both the player and the organization.