Here's why Tyler Bertuzzi left the Maple Leafs for the Chicago Blackhawks
Tyler Bertuzzi spent the majority of 2023-2024 playing on the contending, Toronto Maple Leafs. The gritty forward got to spend time with superstar Auston Matthews, former Blackhawk fan-favorite, Max Domi, and John Tavares.
He'd be a slow starter in Toronto, but when it came time for him to grind in the playoffs, is where he showed up, scoring 43 points( 21 G, 22 A) with the team.
He'd eventually be priced out of Toronto due to his performance, and GM Brad Treliving would opt not to pay him what he was due.
So GM Kyle Davidson would instead ink him to a four-year, $22 Million contract with the Blackhawks.
Motivation to sign in Chicago
What was his main motivation to sign here?
Source: Sports.yahoo.com
Tyler Bertuzzi Left The Maple Leafs Because Of This
It sounds like Bertuzzi has bought into the Blackhawks rebuild, and wants to be a key player here, in the Windy City.
He's a verifiable competitor who loves to get in the dirty areas, fights for pucks, and is a forward who shares many characteristics with Blackhawks legends like Jeremy Roenick.
Of course, respect where it's due, this is purely in comparison as an agitator, with scoring touch.
Source: Sports Forecaster
TYLER BERTUZZI
Bertuzzi will also get to play with the future face of the NHL, and Blackhawks star Connor Bedard. This should help increase the forwards-scoring opportunities, and all the while serve as Bedard's protector and agitator.
The Blackhawks have Bertuzzi on contract for three more years after this season, with hope they can find their footing in the post-season, by year two.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 27 | 99 ANSWERS Here's why Tyler Bertuzzi left the Maple Leafs for the Chicago Blackhawks Did the Blackhawks make the right choice in signing Tyler Bertuzzi? | ||
| Yes | 85 | 85.9 % |
| No | 14 | 14.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
