Toronto Maple Leafs Now Lose Another Top Forward To Blackhawks: Report Claims

The Blackhawks have now lost a top forward to the Toronto Maple Leafs: Report Claims

The Chicago Blackhawks have reportedly agreed to terms with forward Tyler Bertuzzi, who is a potential free agency. As a result, the Toronto Maple Leafs will need to find a replacement.

Former NHL and Maple Leafs player Jay Rosehill claims that Bertuzzi will sign a deal on July 1 at 12 p.m. ET, when free agency opens.

On July 1, Rosehill posted on X, “I’m hearing Tyler Bertuzzi will sign with Chicago tomorrow at Noon ET.”

The story was verified by current Leafs Morning Take director Nick Alberga, a former Sportsnet commentator, who also mentioned that Bertuzzi’s Blackhawks contract is anticipated to be a four-year agreement.

Before free agency opened on July 1, Alberga wrote, “Sounds like a four-year deal #Blackhawks.”

On July 2, 2023, Bertuzzi agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Maple Leafs. There was interest in an extension at the end of the season from both parties, but the forward was good enough to demand a trade out of Toronto.

The forward for the Leafs will depart Canada having played 80 games throughout the regular season. In seven postseason games, he added one goal and three assists for a total of four points. In Toronto, he scored 21 goals and 22 assists for 43 points.

Tyler Bertuzzi Put Himself Above the Reach of the Maple Leafs
After spending one season with the Maple Leafs, Bertuzzi announced late on June 30 that he will not be re-signing with the organization, according to Darren Dreger of TSN, one day before the free-agent market begins.