Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich
The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to sign forward Tyler Bertuzzi when free agency opens at 11 a.m. C.T. on Monday. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, it will be a four-year deal at a cap hit of $5.5 million.
Bertuzzi, 29, registered 43 points (21 goals, 22 assists) in 80 games this past season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He added four points (one goal, three assists) in seven postseason contests.
Bertuzzi is exactly the kind of top-six forward the Blackhawks needed to land this summer. He’s an agitating player to play against and makes a living going to the dirty areas, which sounds like an ideal winger for Connor Bedard.
Bertuzzi scored 30 goals and 62 points in 80 games with the Detroit Red Wings just two years ago. He’s got a respectable offensive ceiling, too.
Aside from locking up Alex Vlasic to a six-year extension, Bertuzzi’s four-year deal is the first contract Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson has given out that’s more than two years. Four years is a nice sweet spot for a player who can help the team take the next step without handcuffing the Blackhawks once they’re ready to pay their new core.
Chicago Blackhawks
