Why Davidson Brought Him to Chicago
When Kyle Davidson signed Tyler Bertuzzi to a four-year deal worth $5.5 million per season, the message was clear: Chicago wanted a proven veteran to help stabilize their top six. That contract gave Bertuzzi the highest AAV among Blackhawks forwards heading into 2025-26 (Weber’s LTIR deal aside), tied with André Burakovsky. Davidson needed scoring depth, playoff experience, and grit — and Bertuzzi checked all those boxes.
Bertuzzi rewarded the investment with a strong debut season in Chicago. He finished with 23 goals and 23 assists for 46 points. It was his second-best goal-scoring season in the NHL, trailing only his 30-goal campaign in 2021-22 with Detroit. What stood out most wasn’t just the totals, but where and how he produced.
Bertuzzi Strong First Blackhawks Season
Half of Bertuzzi’s offense came on the power play. Chicago finished seventh in the NHL with the man advantage, and Bertuzzi was a huge reason why. He scored 10 power-play goals and added 13 assists, setting career highs in both categories. Parking himself in the dirty areas, he became a go-to option in front of the net. Twenty of his 23 goals came from high-danger scoring spots — his “office.” His 17.6% shooting percentage also marked a career best, though that efficiency could be difficult to sustain over a full season.
Areas of Concern for Bertuzzi and Blackhawks
But peel back the numbers and there are areas for concern. Bertuzzi fired only 131 shots last season, nearly 30 fewer than his career average over an 82-game pace. That’s a low total for a player expected to be a consistent goal threat. His physical play also dipped, with hits falling from 84 to 60. For someone with his reputation as a power forward, that decline matters — especially since he plays alongside smaller linemates.
Line Chemistry and Coaching Familiarity
The turning point late in the year was the chemistry between Bertuzzi, Frank Nazar, and Teuvo Teräväinen. That line looked dangerous down the stretch, combining Bertuzzi’s net-front grit with Nazar’s speed and playmaking. If they can carry that momentum into 2025-26, the Blackhawks’ top six will be far more balanced. Add in the production of Connor Bedard, Ryan Donato, and Burakovsky, and suddenly Chicago has the makings of a forward group that can score consistently.
Jeff Blashill was the first NHL coach Bertuzzi played under, and the two built a strong relationship. Blashill knows exactly how to use the forward, having guided him during his best season in Detroit. That familiarity could be a difference-maker for both Bertuzzi and the Blackhawks this year.
What Bertuzzi Must Do Next
For Bertuzzi, the next step is producing more at even strength. Relying too heavily on the power play isn’t sustainable. If he can drive play at 5-on-5, increase his shot volume, and re-establish a heavier forecheck, he could easily reach 25 goals and 50 points this season. His role isn’t just about scoring — it’s about being the “hunter” on his line, using his body to create space for Nazar and Teräväinen.
Leadership is another factor. With 10 years of NHL experience and a reputation for playing in tough areas, Bertuzzi has to set the tone in the locker room. Chicago’s young roster needs veterans who can blend production with work ethic. Bertuzzi doesn’t have to be flashy, but he has to be reliable — the guy who does the little things every night.
It won’t be easy to repeat last season’s power-play efficiency or shooting percentage. But if Bertuzzi balances that by elevating his 5-on-5 game, he’ll prove Davidson right for betting on him. Chicago didn’t bring him in to just ride shotgun; they brought him in to make an impact.
Final Take
Tyler Bertuzzi can balance his net-front power-play role with stronger 5-on-5 play, he’ll give the Blackhawks exactly what they need — a gritty scorer who makes life easier for his linemates. Chicago doesn’t need him to be flashy, just reliable. And if he embraces being the hunter, the forechecker, and the leader in that locker room, the Hawks’ top six will be tougher to handle than people think in 2025-26.
The team’s overall performance last year dragged Bertuzzi’s production down more than anything else. I expect a bump as the team continues to improve.
Thanks for your comment! I agree with you — Bertuzzi’s numbers were definitely impacted by the team’s overall struggles last season. With the Hawks improving their structure and adding more support around him, I also expect a bump. He’s the kind of player who feeds off a stronger team game, and if Chicago can control the pace better, Bertuzzi should look a lot more like the player we know he can be.
I was a proponent of signing Bert before he signed with Toronto. I also wanted Domi back but it seems his ties to Toronto were too big to pass up. Bertuzzi needs to put in more effort for the Hawks to have any success. Here’s hoping!
Thanks for your comment! I agree — Bertuzzi’s effort will be key for the Hawks, and if he brings it every shift, he can be a real difference-maker this season
I think Bertuzzi will have a better year 5 on 5 if the Hawks play a better game in the neutral zone. They seemed to lose a lot of possession in the neutral zone last year, and so a player like Bertuzzi can’t even make his way to the front of the net, or at least make a hit on the dump-ins. Bertuzzi is most productive near the goal line. If you look at Corey Perry, another player most effective in front of the net, he has been able to sustain his ways playing on highly skilled teams such as the Stars, Lightning and Oilers. Those teams effectively control the neutral zone. Hopefully Blashill’s 2-1-2 system is more successful than Sorenson’s or Richardson’s 1-2-2. We’ll see.
Thanks for your comment! I really like your comparison with Corey Perry — you’re right, he’s been able to stay effective by playing on teams that control the neutral zone well. The Hawks definitely need more players driving to the net, and Bertuzzi can be that type of presence.
You also nailed it about the neutral zone. The key is puck possession, transition, and speed. Look at a team like the Devils — they’re excellent in transition because they move the puck quickly and attack with pace.
To play a 2-1-2 system, you need strong forecheckers and speed through all four lines. If Chicago can control the puck more often and create cleaner zone entries — not just dump-and-chase — they’ll give Bertuzzi more chances to be productive around the crease. His game is all about battling down low, screens, rebounds, and drawing penalties.
For me, the combination of a faster neutral-zone game, better support from the forwards, and consistent net presence could make Bertuzzi a real difference-maker at 5-on-5 this season.