Chicago Blackhawks forward becomes ideal candidate to be traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Chicago Blackhawks aren't in the same situation at all; the Leafs are in their winning window but struggle during playoff season, while the Hawks are rebuilding and aren't expected to be in the playoff landscape for a few years.

This means both teams don't have the same needs going into the offseason. The Hawks look for veterans who can help guide their young prospects in their development, while the Leafs need players who can help the team win now.

According to a new report, the Leafs could try to repatriate Tyler Bertuzzi, who wore the Maple Leaf during the 2023-24 season before joining the Blackhawks on a four-year deal last year.

Bertuzzi's year in Chicago didn't go quite as planned. He scored 45 points in 81 games but ended the season with a minus-39 rating, which sparked buyout rumors.

However, he finished strong, with 11 points in his final 14 games, showing flashes of his usual gritty, opportunistic style, and chemistry with the young Hawks prospects. He still contributed 131 shots, 60 hits, and 51 penalty minutes, showing he can still play with a lot of energy and that he would fit in Toronto's bottom six.

With Mitch Marner likely gone, just like Calle Järnkrok and David Kämpf, Toronto could be interested in going after a cheap addition who already knows the Leafs market and fits with Berube's coaching style.

Bertuzzi has three seasons left on his $5,500,000 AAV contract. With all the players gone and the NHL salary cap raise, the Leafs could bring him back without issues, if they make the right offer to Chicago.