Here's why Tyler Bertuzzi left the Maple Leafs for the Chicago Blackhawks

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Joshua Deeds
September 27, 2024 (5:37 PM)

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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?

«A young team that's hungry and looking to try and slowly build something,» Bertuzzi said. «I went through it with Detroit. Hopefully here I can stick it out and be here for the turnaround. It was an opportunity to play, play with good players.»

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.

Continues to grow from a forward expected to make his living as a role-playing agitator to one capable of playing big minutes and being a consistent offensive producer. Is a terrific competitor who comes to play every night. Goes to the net, gets his nose dirty and should continue to improve as he moves through his mid-20s.

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.