Tyler Bertuzzi will be hitting the free-agent market today
The Toronto Maple Leafs and former Boston Bruins forward Tyler Bertuzzi both were interested in continuing their relationship. However, according to NHL insider Darren Dreger, Bertuzzi won't be re-signing with the Maple Leafs, as he has priced himself out of Toronto. In addition, Dreger noted that Bertuzzi will likely land a four-year deal with an AAV over $5 million on the market.
Hearing that Bertuzzi is moving on from the Maple Leafs is undoubtedly intriguing but understandable. The Maple Leafs did some notable spending yesterday, re-signing Max Domi ($3.75 million AAV) and Timothy Liljegren ($3 million AAV) to their new deals. With the Maple Leafs expected to be aggressive in free agency, it makes sense that they were not willing to give Bertuzzi the money he was looking for.
However, while Bertuzzi is hitting the market, it appears that the Bruins won't get the opportunity to try to bring him back. According to multiple sources, including Jay Rosehill and David Pagnotta, Bertuzzi will sign a four-year, $22 million deal with the Chicago Blackhawks.
It is not a secret that the Blackhawks are looking to get more talent around Connor Bedard. Now, they will give him a skilled winger who provides plenty of grit in Bertuzzi.
It is undoubtedly tough to hear that a reunion between the Bruins and Bertuzzi is out of the cards. In 21 regular-season games with the Bruins in 2022-23, Bertuzzi posted four goals and 16 points. However, he hit an even higher level during the playoffs for Boston, recording five goals and 10 points in seven games.
It will be intriguing to see how much Bertuzzi impacts the Blackhawks as they continue their rebuild. Interestingly, assuming this deal comes to fruition, this will be the fourth Original Six team Bertuzzi has played for.
Recent Bruins News
Bruins Do Not Qualify Jesper Boqvist & 2 Prospects
Jakub Lauko Sends Farewell Message to Bruins
Bruins Expected to Target Nikita Zadorov
Bruins Have Interesting Target in Panthers Tough Guy