The Maple Leafs Explain Their Decision to Join the Blackhawks
Forward Tyler Bertuzzi inked a big four-year, $22 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks at the beginning of free agency on July 1, one year after signing a prove-it deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
But Bertuzzi didn’t anticipate, as a Maple Leaf, to lock up a long-term contract with Chicago before hitting free agency. As Bertuzzi disclosed on July 5, Chicago “wasn’t on his radar,” but after speaking with someone, he signed with the team.
Bertuzzi stated, “Chicago wasn’t really on my radar.” “And then, Nick Foligno called me the day before free agency and said, ‘They’re kind of interested.'” That thrilled me, and that’s kind of where things went from there.
Throughout the 2022–2023 season, Bertuzzi and Foligno were teammates on the Boston Bruins. The 36-year-old veteran Foligno previously participated in the 2023–24 Blackhawks season. He made 74 appearances, totaling 37 points from 17 goals and 20 assists.
Conversely, former Maple Leafs forward Bertuzzi finished his one-year deal with Toronto, making 80 appearances and tallying 43 points (22 goals, 22 assists).
General manager of the Blackhawks Kyle Davidson thanked Foligno on July 5 for his assistance, saying that the veteran has “a lot of friends around the league,” including Bertuzzi.
Davidson told reporters, “I think Nick’s got a lot of friends around the league.” “I believe he’s a man with a huge network. That seems sort of hilarious to us. Nick cares even if we don’t ask them to do these things. He loves the team, is well-connected, and wants to see things through to the end.
Blackhawks Place a Bet on Background to Encircle Connor Bedard
Foligno joined the Blackhawks on June 2023 along with rookie phenom Connor Bedard. In January 2024, he inked a new contract for a two-year extension that would run for two seasons, ending at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 campaign.
Alongside Foligno, Bertuzzi has signed a four-year contract with the Blackhawks. In an attempt to sign veterans who will aid in Bedard’s development and provide the right atmosphere for the rookie to lead the Hawks back to contention in a few years, Chicago appears to be starting the second phase of their rebuild.
