Buyout Buzz Sparks Speculation of Maple Leafs Reunion with Former Forward
Photo credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
Could the Maple Leafs be in line for a reunion with former forward Tyler Bertuzzi? According to reports, he might end up a buyout candidate with the Blackhawks.
As teams prepare for a frantic offseason, they have to make a lot of tough decisions about who is going to stay and who is leaving, and it's time for bad contracts to hopefully find themselves elsewhere.
Chicago reaching desperation point with Tyler Bertuzzi
One of those teams is going to be the Chicago Blackhawks. While it's not your typical cap issues given they have a ton of surplus to spend on, it's more about roster fit.
More specifically, where does Tyler Bertuzzi fit into the lineup? After signing a lucrative four-year, $22M contract last summer he only put up 46 points in 82 games (23G, 23A).
While those aren't terrible numbers by any means, they expected a lot more production from a veteran like Bertuzzi, especially with such a young lineup.
His game is definitely suited for a contending team, as he's more often the secondary option and a great complimentary piece and for a rebuilding and frankly, struggling Blackhawks team; it's not a good combo.
Jim Lynch of BlackhawkUp thinks that while the Hawks have a chance to buy him out, it would be a bad decision:
General manager Kyle Davidson should give Bertuzzi another chance to make his mark on the Hawks next season.
With another top pick on the way, and some potential help in the free agency market-Chicago should have a better roster in 2025-26. Bertuzzi could find his role in a deeper lineup, one where he can shine as a middle six forward.
Using a buyout on Bertuzzi would also take away a potential return in a trade. If Bertuzzi is struggling and still hasn't jelled with the roster by next January the Hawks would be able to retain some salary and trade Bertuzzi with the possibility to bring back an asset to the organization. - Jim Lynch
With another top pick on the way, and some potential help in the free agency market-Chicago should have a better roster in 2025-26. Bertuzzi could find his role in a deeper lineup, one where he can shine as a middle six forward.
Using a buyout on Bertuzzi would also take away a potential return in a trade. If Bertuzzi is struggling and still hasn't jelled with the roster by next January the Hawks would be able to retain some salary and trade Bertuzzi with the possibility to bring back an asset to the organization. - Jim Lynch
However, if the team were to act on buying him out, there's certainly one team who could use his services.
Toronto reunites with Tyler Bertuzzi to run it back
It was only last season when Bertuzzi was part of the Maple Leafs, and made his mark. He scored 21 goals, played in a top-six role, and had four points in seven playoff games.
He plays a Berube styled game, and while he's not a hitting machine, he still lays it in and is a huge net front presence. He's the type of player Toronto was missing in their top-six in this year's postseason.
There were some issues with Bertuzzi's contract with Chicago and while the Blackhawks were not found guilty of any tampering; they certainly straddled the line.
But with that behind him, and looking forward to the 2025-26 season, there's a strong chance that Chicago has some buyer's remorse when it comes to signing Bertuzzi.
If GM Kyle Davidson ends up cutting his losses, then Brad Treliving needs to be on the phone ASAP to bring in a familiar face who can certainly add some new DNA; even if he's coming back for round two.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 8 | 465 ANSWERS Buyout Buzz Sparks Speculation of Maple Leafs Reunion with Former Forward Would you want the Maple Leafs to re-acquire Tyler Bertuzzi? | ||
| Yes | 205 | 44.1 % |
| No | 260 | 55.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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