Concerns mounting over Tyler Bertuzzi's slow start

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Finnegan Frost
November 9, 2024 (7:32 PM)

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Currently sitting at a 9-5-1 record, fans concerns are starting to intensify regarding Chicago Blackhawks newcomer Tyler Bertuzzi.

The 29-year old winger signed a four-year, $22-million deal with the Chicago Blackhawks during the NHL offseason.

Although it was never fully expected that Bertuzzi would play alongside Connor Bedard, the organization hoped Bertuzzi would come to Chicago with some much needed offensive edge, bolstering the team with his scoring prowess.

Although Tyler Bertuzzi has been slowly picking up the pace as of late, he's nowhere close to being the player he showed during his time with the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With just 5 goals and a minus-5 rating, Bertuzzi is still finding his footing in a new city. This is his fourth team in three seasons, so an adjustment period is somewhat understandable. Nevertheless, the question remains: how long does he need?

Bertuzzi did not know what the future held, and that can affect a player's approach. He may have been gripping the stick a little too tight. Despite that pressure and his slow starts in new cities, true to form, Bertuzzi recovered. He notched 11 points in his final 11 games with the Bruins in 2023 and elevated his game with 5 goals and 5 assists in 7 postseason games. Similarly, he finished with 40 points in 70 games for the Maple Leafs the following season.
The Hockey News

As the season continues, fans will be looking for Bertuzzi to breakout of his shell to show the Blackhawks organization they made the right call by bringing him in.

The team takes on the Minnesota Wild on Sunday for a Central Division showdown, and all eyes will be on Bertuzzi to get his offence going.