Chicago Blackhawks reportedly set to buyout $22M forward

The Chicago Blackhawks would sign forward Tyler Bertuzzi as a free agent in July.

GM Kyle Davidson would reward him with a nice contract, a raise that the Toronto Maple Leafs couldn't afford at the time.

They thought they would be getting a forward who could produce more than 40 points a season on Connor Bedard's wing.

Yet this season he's scored a total of 40 points (19 goals, 21 assists) in 73 games with a Blackhawks team who have a 13.5% shot at a lottery pick in 2025.

Needless to say, his production isn't consistent, and he has found a true home in the lineup.

So much so that according to The Athletic's Mark Lazerus Kyle Davidson and the Hawks are looking into buying out the "gritty" forward.

With the Chicago Blackhawks, he signed a $5.5 million contract that will expire at the end of the 2027-2028 season.

Since he's underperformed with the Hawks, they may look to get out from underneath the contract which could be considered an overpay by fans and pundits across the league.

According to Mark Lazerus, a buyout of Bertuzzi's contract would count $3.7 million AAV against the salary cap in 2025-2026.

The cap hit would be $2.9 million in 2026-2027 and $2.5 million in 2027-2028. With considerable savings to be had, with the rest of his deal paying out $1.2 million for the three seasons remaining.

That many could be better utilized signing prospects and promoting other players to the NHL who will play with a ferocity and determination that Bertuzzi seems to lack at times.

He's produced at 0.56 points per game, a pitiful contribution as we've seen someone like Philipp Kurashev generate 50+ points on Bedard's line himself.

While the intention was good for both Bertuzzi and the Hawks, he didn't fit into the Hawks system and now if what Lazerus has speculated comes true, could we see more players on the way from Rockford to Chicago?