The Chicago Blackhawks may be making a mistake buying out a $22M forward

NHL teams will have 48 hours after the end of the Stanley Cup Finals to buy out contracts if they deem that the controversial move could help them fill immediate needs.

Over the past few months, multiple reports confirmed that the Chicago Blackhawks could part ways with a top-six forward using that method.

However, it could end up being a huge mistake.

The 30-year-old veteran Tyler Bertuzzi spent most of the season on the team's top line, alongside Connor Bedard, and only managed to produce 46 points, and had an abysmal -30 plus/minus. While the whole team struggled offensively this season, more was expected from him, especially with his $22 million contract signed through the 2027-2028 season.

Parting ways with him would give room for Kyle Davidson to add a young player or another veteran to the lineup.

If they were to buy him out, the Hawks would save $3.7 million next season, but the organization would pay $2.9 million in 2026-27, and $2.5 million in 2027-28. Then, the Hawks would pay $1.2 million for the next three years.

While freeing up the cap space and the lineup spot could be enticing for the Hawks, it could end up being a massive mistake.

The Hawks are poised to have a better season next year, and Bertuzzi can play a key role in that success.

While there are some upsides to doing it, the team is in no rush to make it happen. If they want to get rid of him, the trade market would be a much better avenue for the Hawks.

Not only would they avoid paying him for several years, but they could get a draft pick or include him in a package to land a bigger deal.