Report: Blackhawks sign top-six forward Tyler Bertuzzi to four-year deal originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich
The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to sign Tyler Bertuzzi when free agency opens Monday at 11 a.m. CT. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, it will be a four-year deal with a cap hit of $5.5 million.
Bertuzzi, 29, had 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 games.
Bertuzzi is exactly the kind of top-six forward the Blackhawks needed this summer. He’s an exciting player to play against and makes his money getting to the dirty areas, which sounds like an ideal winger for Connor Bddard.
Bertuzzi scored 30 goals and 62 points in 80 games for the Detroit Red Wings just two years ago. He also has a respectable offensive ceiling.
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 handed out that’s longer than two years. Four years is a sweet spot for a player who can help the team take the next step without tying the Blackhawks to a brick wall once they’re ready to pay their new core.
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