Hubbry Logo
Tyler BertuzziTyler BertuzziMain
Open search
Tyler Bertuzzi
Community hub
Tyler Bertuzzi
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Tyler Bertuzzi
Tyler Bertuzzi
Tyler Bertuzzi
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Tyler Bertuzzi (born February 24, 1995) is a Canadian professional hockey player who is a left winger for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Bertuzzi was drafted 58th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2013 NHL entry draft. He has also previously played for the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Junior

[edit]

Bertuzzi was drafted by the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the fourth round, 78th overall, of the 2011 OHL entry draft.[1] In his first full year in the OHL with Guelph during the 2011–12 season, Bertuzzi played in 61 games, scoring six goals.[2] He had six fights in his first nine games, becoming known as someone who played tough.[3] Bertuzzi played in all six of Guelph's playoff games, finishing the series with two assists.[4]

During the 2012–13 season, Bertuzzi had 13 goals and had nine assists in 43 games. Bertuzzi played in all five playoff games with Guelph, finishing with no points and 14 penalty minutes.[4] He missed 25 to games to shoulder, neck and head injuries. During the 2013–14 season, Bertuzzi only played in 29 games, missing significant time with the same injuries to his head, neck and shoulder that were aggravated in a game on December 8, 2013.[5] He finished the season with 10 goals and 25 assists,[4] rejoining the Storm in the playoffs capture the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions. Guelph played 18 playoff games, with Bertuzzi playing in all, scoring ten goals, seven assists, and a +24 rating.[1] As champions, the Storm were invited to the Canadian Hockey League's 2014 Memorial Cup tournament. Bertuzzi led the Memorial Cup with five goals in four games, as the Storm made the final, but lost to the Edmonton Oil Kings to finish second in the tournament.[6][7]

During the 2014–15 season, Bertuzzi was named an assistant captain of the Storm. He had his best season of his junior career, leading Guelph in scoring with 98 points while playing in all of the team's 68 games, finishing tenth in the league in scoring. Through nine games in the playoffs, Bertuzzi tied the team in scoring with six goals and eight points.[8] Bertuzzi was named to the OHL's Second All-Star Team in 2015.[9]

Professional

[edit]

Detroit Red Wings (2014–2023)

[edit]

Bertuzzi was selected by the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL) in the second round, 58th overall, in the 2013 NHL entry draft.[10] On October 17, 2014, the Red Wings signed Bertuzzi to a three-year entry-level contract.[11] After finishing his season with Guelph Storm, Bertuzzi was assigned to Detroit's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, to finish the 2014–15 season.[8] He made his professional debut for the Griffins on April 17, 2015, in a game against the Lake Erie Monsters and scored his first professional goal against goaltender Calvin Pickard.[12] He played in two regular season games with Grand Rapids.[13] The Griffins made the 2015 Calder Cup playoffs and he played in 14 playoff games, adding seven goals and 12 points.[10]

In his first full professional season, Bertuzzi was assigned to Grand Rapids for the 2015–16 season.[14] On October 31, he was suspended two games by the AHL for a slew foot infraction against Kasperi Kapanen of the Toronto Marlies.[15] He finished the season playing 71 games with Grand Rapids, scoring 12 goals and 30 points. The Griffins made the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs and he added seven goals and eight points in nine playoff games.[4] He was assigned to Grand Rapids to start the 2016–17 season and played in nine games scoring two goals and two assists. On November 7, 2016, Bertuzzi was recalled by the Detroit Red Wings after Thomas Vanek was placed on injured reserve.[16] He made his NHL debut the next day in a 3–2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.[17] On November 15, Bertuzzi was returned to Grand Rapids after appearing in three games for the Red Wings, going scoreless.[18] Bertuzzi was recalled by the Red Wings on November 17.[19] He remained with Detroit until December 28 when he was returned to the AHL, appearing in four games, going scoreless, but had not played since November 29 due to an injured ankle.[20] Bertuzzi recorded 12 goals and 25 assists in 48 games for Grand Rapids during the regular season.[4] During the 2017 Calder Cup playoffs, he recorded nine goals and 10 assists in 19 games, to help lead the Griffins to the Calder Cup, and was awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the most valuable player. He set the Griffins' franchise record with 23 career playoff goals.[21][22]

He missed the entire 2017 preseason with inflammation in his wrist and the entire first month of the 2017–18 season, missing nine games in total.[23][24] He was recalled by the Red Wings for the first time on December 8 to replace an injured David Booth.[25] He made his NHL season debut on December 9 in a 6–1 loss to the St. Louis Blues. He was returned to Grand Rapids on December 12.[24] He recorded seven goals and seven assists in 16 games for the Griffins prior to being recalled by Detroit on December 21.[26] He recorded his first NHL point assisting on Justin Abdelkader's goal in a 3–1 loss to the New Jersey Devils on December 27.[27] Bertuzzi recorded his first career NHL goal against Jeff Glass of the Chicago Blackhawks on January 14, 2018.[28] During the 2017–18 NHL season he recorded seven goals and 17 assists in 48 games for the Red Wings.[4]

On June 25, 2018, the Red Wings signed Bertuzzi to a two-year contract extension.[29] He made the Red Wings' opening night roster out of training camp, scoring in the season opener versus the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 4.[30] On January 12, 2019, Bertuzzi recorded his first career hat-trick against Devan Dubnyk of the Minnesota Wild.[31] Bertuzzi was named the NHL Second Star of the week, for the week ending April 1. He shared the league lead with three goals and seven assists in four games. He registered three straight three-point performances, posting two goals and one assist, including his first career overtime goal, in a 5–4 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on March 28, one goal and two assists in a 4–0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on March 29 and three assists in a 6–3 victory over the Boston Bruins on March 31. Bertuzzi became the first Detroit player to record three consecutive three-point games since Steve Yzerman in 1992–93.[32] On April 2, Bertuzzi recorded two goals and one assist in a 4–1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. He became the first player in Red Wings franchise history to record four consecutive three-point games.[33] He finished the season 21 goals and 47 points in 73 games.[4]

To begin the 2019–20 season, he scored two goals and four points in the season opener playing on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha in a 5–3 victory over the Nashville Predators on October 5.[34] He was selected to play in the 2020 NHL All-Star Game.[35] He played in 71 games with the Red Wings, scoring 21 goals and 48 points before the NHL suspended the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 12, 2020.[4][36] A restricted free agent in the off-season, the Red Wings and Bertuzzi could not agree on a contract and opted for salary arbitration. On October 28, Bertuzzi was awarded a one-year, $3.5 million contract by the arbitrator, which the Red Wings signed.[37] In the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season, he appeared in just nine regular season games, collecting seven points, before he was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a back injury. It was announced that he underwent back surgery on April 30, 2021.[38] On July 31, the Red Wings signed Bertuzzi to a two-year contract extension.[39]

He began the 2021–22 season with four goals against Andrei Vasilevskiy in a 7–6 opening night loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in overtime on October 14.[40] He had a second four-point night on November 6 against the Buffalo Sabres, scoring two goals and registering two assists in a 4–3 overtime win.[41] He scored 30 goals and 62 points in 68 games with the Red Wings.[4] During the 2022–23 season, he had his hand broken blocking a shot on October 15 in the second game of the season.[42] He missed a month and returned, but had his left hand broken by a shot from teammate Ben Chiarot on November 30 in a game against the Buffalo Sabres.[43] He was limited to 29 games due to the injuries, recording four goals and ten assists.[44]

Boston Bruins (2023)

[edit]

On March 2, 2023, Bertuzzi was traded to the Boston Bruins in exchange for a conditional first-round pick in the 2024 NHL entry draft and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL entry draft.[45] He made his Bruins' debut on March 4 playing on a line with Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic. The Bruins won the game 4–2 over the New York Rangers and Bertuzzi picked up his first point with the team, assisting on Coyle's first period goal.[46] He scored his first goal for Boston against Jake Allen on March 23 in a 4–2 win over the Montreal Canadiens. He also registered an assist in the game.[47] In 21 regular-season games, Bertuzzi scored four goals and 16 points.[4] The Bruins made the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, won the Presidents' Trophy by finishing with 135 points, and set an NHL record for most wins, with 65.[48]

Bertuzzi made his NHL playoff debut on April 17 during the Bruins' first round series against the Florida Panthers, assisting on two goals in a 3–1 Game 1 victory.[49] He scored his first NHL playoff goal against Alex Lyon in game 2 on April 19, a 6–3 loss in Game 2.[50] In a Game 4 win, he scored a goal and assisted on a Brad Marchand power play goal. In Game 6, Bertuzzi scored two goals and added an assist in a 7–6 loss.[51] In a winner-take-all Game 7, Bertuzzi scored a power play goal in the third period, but the Bruins ultimately lost in overtime, blowing a 3-1 series lead.[52] Bertuzzi registered five goals and ten points in seven playoff games.[4][53]

Toronto Maple Leafs (2023–2024)

[edit]

Bertuzzi, considered one of the top unrestricted free agents, was signed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 2.[54] He made his Maple Leafs debut in the 2023–24 season opening 6–5 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on October 11.[55] He scored his first goal for Toronto against Filip Gustavsson in the next game on October 14, a 7–4 victory over the Minnesota Wild.[56] Following the death of professional hockey player Adam Johnson from a skate blade cut to the neck in the middle of a game, Bertuzzi donned a neck guard in a game against the Chicago Blackhawks on November 24, becoming the first active NHL player to wear a neck guard in a game since Johnson's death.[57] He registered three assists in a 7–0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 16, tying a career high.[58] He finished the season with 21 goals and 43 points in 80 games for Toronto in the regular season.[4]

The Maple Leafs made the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs and faced Bertuzzi's former team, the Boston Bruins, in the first round.[59] He scored his only goal of the series in game 3 on April 24, a 4–2 loss to Boston.[60] The Bruins eliminated the Maple Leafs in seven games.[61] In the seven games, Bertuzzi scored the one goal and registered four points.[4]

Chicago Blackhawks (2024–present)

[edit]

On July 1, 2024, Bertuzzi signed as an unrestricted free agent to a four-year, $22 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.[62]

International play

[edit]
Medal record
Ice hockey
Representing  Canada
World Championships
Silver medal – second place 2019 Slovakia

On April 29, 2019, Bertuzzi was selected to make his international debut after he was named to the Team Canada roster for the 2019 IIHF World Championship, held in Slovakia.[63] He helped Canada progress through to the playoff rounds before losing the final to Finland to finish with the silver medal on May 26.[64] Bertuzzi finished the tournament going scoreless through five games.

Personal life

[edit]

Bertuzzi is the son of Angela Bertuzzi, an educational assistant, and Adrian Gedye, a talent agent and businessman.[65][66] He has two brothers: Evan and Matthew Gedye.[67] His cousins, Tag and Jaden Bertuzzi, also play hockey.[68] Tag was selected second overall by Guelph Storm in the 2017 OHL draft.[69] Bertuzzi is the nephew of former NHL player Todd Bertuzzi.[70]

In September 2021, it came out that Bertuzzi was not vaccinated against COVID-19. As a result, he was not allowed to cross the border to play in Canada and had to surrender more than $450,000 of his $4.75 million salary.[71]

Career statistics

[edit]

Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2011–12 Guelph Storm OHL 61 6 11 17 117 6 0 2 2 7
2012–13 Guelph Storm OHL 43 13 9 22 68 5 0 0 0 14
2013–14 Guelph Storm OHL 29 10 25 35 49 18 10 7 17 24
2014–15 Guelph Storm OHL 68 43 55 98 91 9 6 2 8 10
2014–15 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 2 1 0 1 0 14 7 5 12 10
2015–16 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 71 12 18 30 133 9 7 1 8 8
2016–17 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 48 12 25 37 37 19 9 10 19 50
2016–17 Detroit Red Wings NHL 7 0 0 0 0 — — — — —
2017–18 Grand Rapids Griffins AHL 16 7 7 14 34 — — — — —
2017–18 Detroit Red Wings NHL 48 7 17 24 39 — — — — —
2018–19 Detroit Red Wings NHL 73 21 26 47 36 — — — — —
2019–20 Detroit Red Wings NHL 71 21 27 48 40 — — — — —
2020–21 Detroit Red Wings NHL 9 5 2 7 4 — — — — —
2021–22 Detroit Red Wings NHL 68 30 32 62 47 — — — — —
2022–23 Detroit Red Wings NHL 29 4 10 14 23 — — — — —
2022–23 Boston Bruins NHL 21 4 12 16 6 7 5 5 10 26
2023–24 Toronto Maple Leafs NHL 80 21 22 43 53 7 1 3 4 6
2024–25 Chicago Blackhawks NHL 82 23 23 46 51 — — — — —
NHL totals 488 136 171 307 299 14 6 8 14 32

International

[edit]
Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2019 Canada WC 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 5 0 0 0 0
Senior totals 5 0 0 0 0

Awards and honours

[edit]
Award Year
OHL
Second All-Star Team 2015 [72]
AHL
Jack A. Butterfield Trophy 2017 [21]
Calder Cup champion 2017
NHL
All-Star Game 2020 [73]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tyler Bertuzzi

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Tyler Bertuzzi (born February 24, 1995) is a Canadian winger for the of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Drafted in the second round, 58th overall, by the in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Bertuzzi debuted with the Red Wings in 2016, later playing for the , , and signing a four-year, $22 million contract with the Blackhawks as an unrestricted on July 1, 2024.
In 496 NHL games across his career as of the 2025–26 season, he has recorded 138 goals and 175 assists for 313 points, establishing himself as a known for physical play and agitation.
Bertuzzi's notable achievements include selection to the 2020 NHL , winning the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as playoff MVP in 2017 with the Grand Rapids Griffins—where he set a team record with 23 playoff goals—and earning OHL Second All-Star Team honors in 2015.
His aggressive style has led to multiple suspensions, including two games in 2018 for roughing and , and he drew attention for being the NHL's only unvaccinated player during the era, barring him from games in .

Early life and background

Family and upbringing

Tyler Bertuzzi was born on February 24, 1995, in Sudbury, , , to Angela Bertuzzi, an educational assistant, and Adrian Gedye, a businessman. His parents, both natives, divorced in 2020 after raising him primarily in Sudbury. Bertuzzi grew up with two younger brothers, and Matthew Gedye, in a household immersed in hockey culture. His uncle, —a former NHL enforcer and —is the brother of his mother Angela, providing a direct family link to professional hockey that influenced Tyler's early aspirations. Cousins Tag and Jaden Bertuzzi, sons of Todd, also pursued competitive hockey, reinforcing the sport's centrality in the extended family. From age four, Bertuzzi skated on Sudbury's outdoor rinks and lakes, including McCharles Lake near his hometown, fostering his passion amid the region's harsh winters and mining-town grit. This environment, combined with familial guidance from Todd—who offered advice on organizations like the —shaped his development, though Tyler adopted his mother's surname despite his brothers using their father's.

Entry into hockey

Tyler Bertuzzi, born on February 24, 1995, in Sudbury, , began skating at the age of four, developing an early passion for hockey through informal play on the city's outdoor rinks during his childhood winters. This foundational exposure to the sport in his hometown laid the groundwork for his competitive pursuits, as Sudbury's harsh and rink culture fostered resilient, hands-on skill-building among local youth. Bertuzzi progressed into organized minor hockey via the Sudbury Minor Hockey Association (MHA), where he participated in house league and representative teams, emphasizing physical play and endurance suited to the region's triple-A pathways. By his early teens, his aggressive style and had caught scouts' attention, positioning him for junior eligibility, though specific peewee or bantam team affiliations remain less documented beyond local association records. This entry phase mirrored typical trajectories for prospects, prioritizing over early elite academies.

Junior and developmental career

Ontario Hockey League

Bertuzzi commenced his (OHL) career with the , selected in the fourth round, 78th overall, in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 38 </grok:render> Over four seasons from 2011 to 2015, he accumulated 172 points (71 goals and 101 assists) in 201 regular-season games, alongside 325 penalty minutes.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 30 </grok:render> His development progressed from a physical, penalty-prone to a high-scoring forward, culminating in a breakout final year where he led the Storm in scoring.
SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM+/-
2011–126161117117+2
2012–13431392268–2
2013–14299263549+9
2014–156843559891+26
In his debut 2011–12 campaign, Bertuzzi focused on physical play, registering 117 penalty minutes while contributing modestly offensively.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 38 </grok:render><grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 20 </grok:render> The 2012–13 season saw improved production but was limited to 43 games, likely due to injury.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 38 </grok:render> By 2013–14, despite appearing in only 29 regular-season games, he adapted to a playmaking role with 26 assists.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 38 </grok:render><grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 39 </grok:render> His 2014–15 season marked a offensive surge, with 98 points including 43 goals, earning recognition as the team's top scorer; highlights included a franchise-record seven-point game (two goals, five assists) against the London Knights on November 9, 2014, for which he was named OHL Player of the Week.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 38 </grok:render><grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 35 </grok:render><grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 36 </grok:render> In the playoffs, Bertuzzi tallied 27 points (16 goals and 11 assists) over 38 games across four postseasons.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 30 </grok:render> His most notable contribution came in 2013–14, where he recorded 17 points (10 goals, seven assists) in 18 games, aiding Guelph's capture of the as OHL champions.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 38 </grok:render><grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 47 </grok:render> The Storm advanced to the 2014 as hosts and OHL winners, with Bertuzzi scoring five goals in four tournament games.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 38 </grok:render>

American Hockey League

Bertuzzi signed a three-year entry-level contract with the on March 19, 2014, following his junior career, and was assigned to their (AHL) affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, for the remainder of the 2014–15 season. He made his professional debut on April 11, 2015, appearing in two regular-season games and recording one assist while accumulating zero penalty minutes. In the 2015–16 season, Bertuzzi transitioned to a full-time AHL role with the Griffins, playing 71 games and posting 12 goals, 18 assists, and 30 points, alongside 133 penalty minutes, which highlighted his aggressive, physical presence on the ice. His performance demonstrated growth in offensive contributions while maintaining a high-energy style that often led to penalties but also disrupted opponents. Bertuzzi's most notable AHL season came in 2016–17, where he skated in 48 regular-season games for the Griffins, accumulating 12 goals, 25 assists, and 37 points with 37 penalty minutes. He excelled in the Calder Cup playoffs, leading the team with 10 goals and adding nine assists for 19 points over 21 games, earning recognition as a key factor in Grand Rapids' championship run; the Griffins defeated the 4–2 in the finals on June 17, 2017, to claim the . Returning briefly to the AHL in 2017–18 amid NHL transitions, Bertuzzi played 16 games with the Griffins, scoring seven goals and seven assists for 14 points and 34 penalty minutes before a permanent recall. Over his entire AHL tenure with Grand Rapids, spanning 137 games, he totaled 32 goals, 50 assists, 82 points, and 204 penalty minutes, underscoring his development as a capable of playoff impact.

Professional career

Detroit Red Wings era (2014–2023)

Bertuzzi signed a three-year entry-level contract with the on October 17, 2014, following his selection in the second round (58th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. During the 2014–15 season, he remained with the of the , recording 54 points in 57 games. He transitioned to professional hockey in 2015–16, joining the Red Wings' affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, where he posted 12 goals and 18 assists in 71 regular-season games. In 2016–17, Bertuzzi excelled with the Griffins, tallying 12 goals and 25 assists in 48 regular-season games, then led the playoffs with 10 goals and nine assists in 19 games en route to the championship, earning the Jack A. Butterfield as playoff MVP. He made his NHL debut with on , 2016, appearing in seven games without recording a point. The following season, 2017–18, Bertuzzi established himself in the NHL, scoring seven goals and 17 assists in 48 games after a December recall from Grand Rapids. On June 25, 2018, he signed a two-year, $2.8 million extension with the Red Wings. Bertuzzi's performance peaked in subsequent seasons, as detailed in the following NHL regular-season statistics with Detroit:
SeasonGPGAPTS+/-PIM
2016–177000-10
2017–184871724-739
2018–19732126471136
2019–2071212748-2340
2020–21952704
2021–2268303262-1147
2022–232941014-1223
In 2018–19, he achieved 21 goals and 47 points in 73 games, followed by a career-best 48 points in 71 games during the shortened 2019–20 season, earning selection to the 2020 NHL All-Star Game. Limited to nine games in 2020–21 due to injury, Bertuzzi rebounded in 2021–22 with a career-high 30 goals and 62 points in 68 games after signing a two-year, $9.5 million contract on July 31, 2021. His tenure ended on March 2, 2023, when the Red Wings traded him to the for a conditional first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and a third-round pick in 2024, amid stalled contract extension talks. The Red Wings did not qualify for during Bertuzzi's NHL tenure with the team.

Trade to Boston Bruins and brief stint (2023)

On March 2, 2023, the acquired forward Tyler Bertuzzi from the in exchange for a conditional first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft (top-10 protected) and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The trade occurred ahead of the NHL trade deadline, with the Bruins seeking to bolster their top-six forward depth and physical play amid a dominant regular season. Bertuzzi, who had recorded 11 goals and 14 assists in 52 games with Detroit that season, was assigned jersey number 59 upon joining . Bertuzzi quickly integrated into the Bruins' lineup, providing secondary scoring and agitation on the wing, often paired with linemates like and . In 21 regular-season games with , he tallied 4 goals and 12 assists for 16 points, posting a +4 plus-minus rating while contributing to the team's record-setting 135-point campaign and win. His physical style, including 24 penalty minutes, aligned with the Bruins' identity, as evidenced by hits and forechecking that generated scoring chances. In the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Bertuzzi made his postseason debut as the top-seeded Bruins faced the Florida Panthers in the first round. He recorded multiple assists in Game 1, including a primary assist on Pastrňák's power-play goal, and demonstrated tenacity with physical plays and puck battles. Over the seven-game series, which Boston lost 4-3 despite leading 3-1, Bertuzzi contributed offensively with goals and assists, including standout efforts such as two goals and an assist in Game 6. His performance highlighted shot volume and primary point generation at even strength, though the Bruins' overall series collapse overshadowed individual outputs. Bertuzzi became an unrestricted following the playoffs. The Bruins pursued a multi-year extension but were unable to reach terms, as Bertuzzi prioritized a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the signed on July 1, 2023, to enhance his market value. This brief tenure marked his only appearance with , where he added 16 regular-season points and playoff production but departed without a long-term commitment.

Toronto Maple Leafs tenure (2023–2024)

Bertuzzi signed a one-year with the worth $5.5 million on July 2, 2023, following his brief stint with the . The deal included a no-movement clause and positioned him as a potential top-six winger expected to provide physicality and secondary scoring alongside stars like and . In the 2023–24 regular season, Bertuzzi played 80 games for , registering 21 goals, 22 assists, and 43 points with a +2 rating and 53 penalty minutes. His production started slowly amid line adjustments and recovery from prior injuries, but he accelerated in the latter half, reaching 20 goals for the first time in his career on April 2, 2024, against the and earning NHL Second Star of the Week honors for the period ending April 1 with three goals and four assists. He primarily operated on the top line, contributing physical forechecking and net-front presence, though his 0.54 points-per-game rate fell short of elite expectations for the cap hit. The Maple Leafs qualified for the as the Atlantic Division's third seed, facing the in the first round and losing in seven games. Bertuzzi appeared in all seven contests, recording no goals and one assist while logging limited time averaging around 13 minutes per , with his physical style evident in hits and battles along the boards but limited offensive impact. As an unrestricted entering July 1, 2024, Bertuzzi did not re-sign with , as his demands for a multi-year extension exceeding $5 million annually outpaced the team's cap constraints and roster priorities. He instead agreed to a four-year, $22 million pact with the , seeking greater term security and opportunity on a rebuilding squad.

Chicago Blackhawks signing and current role (2024–present)

On July 1, 2024, Bertuzzi signed a four-year contract with the as an unrestricted , valued at $22 million with an average annual value of $5.5 million. The deal aimed to add veteran scoring depth and physical presence to the Blackhawks' forward corps, particularly to support emerging talents in a rebuilding roster. Bertuzzi has primarily served as a top-six left winger, leveraging his agitating style and net-front capabilities to create offensive chances while providing secondary scoring. His role emphasizes driving play at even strength and contributing on the power play, though his defensive metrics have drawn scrutiny amid the team's overall struggles. In the 2024–25 season, Bertuzzi appeared in all 82 games, recording 23 goals and 23 assists for 46 points, marking a rebound from prior injury-limited years but offset by a team-worst minus-39 rating that highlighted underlying puck-possession issues. Early in the 2025–26 campaign, he has shown offensive promise, notching multiple assists in initial outings and building on his goal-scoring output from the prior year. Analysts view him as a potential x-factor for Chicago's top line, contingent on sustaining consistency beyond streaky tendencies observed in past seasons.

International representation

Team Canada appearances

Bertuzzi represented Team Canada at the senior level for the first time at the , held in and , , from May 10 to 26. He was added to the roster on April 29, 2019, as one of the forwards selected from NHL clubs. In five tournament games, Bertuzzi recorded zero goals and zero assists, with one penalty minute and three shots on goal. Team Canada advanced to the gold medal game but lost 3–1 to , earning the ; this marked Bertuzzi's sole appearance in IIHF senior international competition as of 2025.

Playing style and on-ice impact

Strengths and contributions

Bertuzzi excels as a physical, gritty forward renowned for his relentless forechecking and ability to win puck battles along the boards and in high-traffic areas. His style emphasizes driving to the net, absorbing punishment to create scoring chances, and disrupting opponents through aggressive and positioning. This tenacity makes him a reliable middle-six contributor who elevates team play in contested zones, often generating secondary scoring opportunities through deflections, rebounds, and tip-ins. In his breakout 2021–22 season with the , Bertuzzi reached career highs of 30 goals and 62 points, demonstrating his shooting accuracy and opportunistic finishing, particularly on the power play where he tallied 14 points. He contributed significantly to playoff efforts, including 10 points (five goals, five assists) during the ' 2023 postseason run, showcasing his effectiveness in elevated competition. With the in 2023–24, he notched a on February 24, 2024, against the Utah Hockey Club, highlighting his burst scoring potential and net-front persistence during a four-game road trip where the team outscored opponents 21–11. Bertuzzi's competitiveness and willingness to "get his nose dirty" every night have made him a valuable agitator and energy player, positively impacting expected goal shares at even strength across teams like the Bruins and Maple Leafs. In , his pairing with has amplified these traits, fostering chemistry through physical net presence and power-play involvement, where he scored 10 of his 23 goals in 2024–25.

Criticisms and physical play

Bertuzzi's playing style emphasizes physicality and aggression, often engaging in battles along the boards and in front of the net to create space and disrupt opponents. This approach, inherited in part from his uncle Todd Bertuzzi's enforcer reputation, includes willingness to deliver hard hits and occasionally drop the gloves, though he has reduced fighting frequency over time. His tenacity contributes to offensive production through puck battles and net-front presence, but it has drawn scrutiny for bordering on recklessness. Critics have pointed to Bertuzzi's physical play as leading to undisciplined penalties and ejections that harm his teams. On December 2, 2018, he punched forward Matt Calvert from the Red Wings' bench during a game, resulting in a two-game NHL suspension for roughing and . More recently, on December 29, 2024, while with the , Bertuzzi was ejected for a five-minute major penalty after elbowing former teammate in the head during a game against the ; the incident's follow-through struck Blackwell's head, prompting a league review for potential further discipline. These events have fueled arguments that his aggressive edge sometimes overrides hockey IQ, contributing to power-play disadvantages and team setbacks. Despite these incidents, Bertuzzi maintains that his physicality is integral to his role as a middle-six forward, balancing it with smarter decisions to mitigate risks from sustained aggression. Analysts note that while his style yields hits and forechecking pressure—averaging around 1.5 hits per game in recent seasons—it has occasionally amplified perceptions of him as prone to emotional outbursts rather than consistent contributors. No long-term suspensions have resulted from these actions, distinguishing his record from more severe enforcer precedents.

Controversies and disciplinary issues

Suspensions and ejections

On December 2, 2018, during a game between the and , Bertuzzi, seated on the bench, reached over the dasher board and punched Avalanche forward Matt Calvert in the head while Calvert was engaged along the boards. The NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the incident and suspended Bertuzzi for two games without pay for roughing and , citing the premeditated nature of the bare-knuckle strike to Calvert's head as primary factors. This marked Bertuzzi's first and, to date, only NHL suspension. On December 29, 2024, while playing for the against the , Bertuzzi delivered a spinning backhand elbow to the head of Stars forward during a second-period board battle. Officials assessed a five-minute major penalty for elbowing, upgraded after video review, along with a game misconduct, resulting in his ejection from the contest. The NHL Department of Player Safety examined the play for potential supplemental discipline but issued no further suspension.

Vaccination status and public backlash

In September 2021, Tyler Bertuzzi was the only unvaccinated player on the roster entering , one of an estimated 10-15 holdouts league-wide amid the NHL's protocols. He publicly described refusing the as a "personal choice, freedom of choice, and a life choice," emphasizing his adherence to enhanced testing and rules for unvaccinated players. This stance barred him from entering , resulting in Bertuzzi missing all nine Red Wings games against Canadian opponents during the 2021-22 regular season and forfeiting roughly $400,000 in salary. Bertuzzi's position drew on-ice taunting, including a December 19, 2021, incident where enforcer Mason Geertsen chirped him to "go get vaccinated" following a whistle during a game. Off the ice, local media and radio personalities criticized the decision; Detroit sports radio host publicly called out Bertuzzi for not complying, arguing it burdened teammates with stricter protocols. Sentiment in his Sudbury, , hometown included accusations of tarnishing local pride, with some residents viewing the refusal as a financial and reputational hit amid broader Canadian mandates. Even after contracting in December 2021, Bertuzzi affirmed he would not alter his stance, citing the infection as reinforcing his position rather than prompting . His holdout was later cited as a factor potentially depressing trade value when the Red Wings dealt him to the on March 2, 2023, though general manager had supported the choice as personal. Canada's federal decision to lift entry requirements on September 1, 2022, resolved cross-border travel barriers for unvaccinated individuals like Bertuzzi. Reports as recent as October 2023 have described him as remaining unvaccinated, the lone such active NHL player, though league mandates ended after 2021-22.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Tyler Bertuzzi married Ashley Greasley in the summer of 2023, following their engagement announced in January 2020. The couple, who met while attending college, had been dating since around , as evidenced by early photos shared publicly. They have three children together. Their first child, daughter Kinsley Lea Bertuzzi, was born on November 11, 2022. Their second child, son Wilder, arrived in January 2024. Their third child, son Oakes Bradley Bertuzzi, was born on September 23, 2025.

Off-ice interests and residence

Bertuzzi and his wife, Ashley, purchased a six-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot newly built house in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood for $2.3 million in August 2024, serving as their primary residence during the NHL season with the Blackhawks. He maintains ties to his hometown of Sudbury, , where he grew up and likely spends off-seasons with family. Among his off-ice interests, Bertuzzi annually donates his hair to Wigs for Kids, a nonprofit providing custom hairpieces to children experiencing medical , a practice he began at least as early as 2022 during his time with the and continued through his tenures with the and . He has cited personal inspiration for this commitment, arranging donations via a stylist in . Bertuzzi enjoys outdoor pursuits, including —a introduced by his father in Sudbury, where he targeted species like and on local lakes and the Vermilion River. He favors bass for catching and for eating, prefers spinning gear with lures like the X-Rap, and has fished in locations such as in and near ; in September 2023, he filmed an episode of Angler & Hunter Television, landing 10 exceeding 15 pounds each. His fishing aspirations include fly-in trips in areas like and in or . Additionally, he participates in snowmobiling, recently obtained a , and is interested in bow . Bertuzzi also plays recreationally, describing it as a relaxing outdoor alternative to hockey, and listens to , naming artists like among his favorites.

Career statistics and achievements

NHL regular season and playoffs

Bertuzzi made his NHL debut with the during the 2016–17 season, appearing in seven games without recording a point. He established himself as a regular the following year, posting 24 points in 48 games in 2017–18, followed by career-best goal totals of 21 in both 2018–19 and 2019–20, when he was selected for the . His peak regular-season performance came in 2021–22 with , where he scored 30 goals and 62 points in 68 games despite the team's struggles. After a trade to the at the 2023 trade deadline, Bertuzzi split time between and Boston that season, then signed a one-year deal with the for 2023–24, tallying 43 points in 80 games. He joined the on July 1, 2024, via a four-year contract, where he recorded 46 points in 82 games during the 2024–25 season amid the team's rebuilding phase. Through the early 2025–26 season, Bertuzzi has added six points in eight games with Chicago.
SeasonTeamGPGAP+/-PIM
2016–17Detroit Red Wings7000-10
2017–18Detroit Red Wings4871724-739
2018–19Detroit Red Wings73212647+1136
2019–20Detroit Red Wings71212748-2340
2020–21Detroit Red Wings952704
2021–22Detroit Red Wings68303262-1147
2022–23Detroit Red Wings2941014-1223
2022–23Boston Bruins2141216+46
2023–24Toronto Maple Leafs80212243+253
2024–25Chicago Blackhawks82232346-3951
2025–26*Chicago Blackhawks824602
Career496138175313-76301
*Through October 26, 2025. Bertuzzi's NHL playoff experience is limited to 14 games across two first-round appearances, accumulating six goals and eight assists for 14 points with a -2 plus-minus rating. Acquired by the Bruins ahead of the 2023 playoffs, he debuted on April 17, 2023, against the , contributing two assists in one game during Boston's seven-game series loss. With in 2024, he recorded one goal and three assists in seven games before the Maple Leafs' first-round defeat to the Bruins. The Red Wings did not qualify for during his full tenure there, and has missed them in recent seasons.

International and minor league stats

Bertuzzi represented at the , where he appeared in 5 games, recording 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, 0 penalty minutes, and a +1 plus-minus rating. In the (AHL), Bertuzzi played exclusively for the Grand Rapids Griffins, affiliate of the , from 2014 to 2018. His regular-season statistics are as follows:
SeasonGPGAPtsPIM
2014–1521010
2015–1671121830133
2016–174812253737
2017–1816771434
Bertuzzi's totals in 137 AHL regular-season games were 32 goals, 50 assists, 82 points, and 204 penalty minutes. In the playoffs, he contributed significantly to the Griffins' 2017 championship, tallying 10 goals and 9 assists for 19 points in 19 games, earning the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as playoff MVP. He also posted 14 goals and 6 assists for 20 points in 23 playoff games across the 2015 and 2016 postseasons.

Awards and honors

Tyler Bertuzzi earned recognition in junior hockey with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he contributed to the team's J. Ross Robertson Cup championship in 2014 and was named to the OHL Second All-Star Team in 2015. In the American Hockey League (AHL), Bertuzzi led the Grand Rapids Griffins to the Calder Cup title in 2017, posting 19 points (9 goals, 10 assists) in 19 playoff games en route to winning the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the postseason most valuable player. Bertuzzi's National Hockey League (NHL) honors include selection to the during his tenure with the .

References

  1. https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/player/tyler-bertuzzi-8477479
  2. https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/_/id/3042056/tyler-bertuzzi
  3. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/125028/tyler-bertuzzi
  4. https://www.spotrac.com/nhl/player/_/id/15903/tyler-bertuzzi
  5. https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bertuty01.html
  6. https://www.nhl.com/news/detroit-forward-tyler-bertuzzi-suspension-302568230
  7. https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/devils-noah-geertsen-chirps-tyler-bertuzzi-for-being-nhl-only-unvaccinated-player-221401505.html
  8. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/tyler-bertuzzi-parents
  9. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/wings/2013/07/09/tyler-bertuzzi-todd-red-wings/2502413/
  10. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/tyler-bertuzzi
  11. https://griffinshockey.com/news/living-the-dream
  12. https://chl.ca/ohl-storm/tyler-bertuzzi-says-he-s-meaner-than-uncle-todd/
  13. https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=145020
  14. https://theahl.com/stats/player/5957
  15. https://puckpedia.com/signing/324
  16. https://puckpedia.com/signing/4265
  17. https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/red-wings-re-sign-tyler-bertuzzi-to-two-year-contract-325886236
  18. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2023/03/02/detroit-red-wings-trade-tyler-bertuzzi-to-boston-bruins-for-picks/69955604007/
  19. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/35767761/bruins-acquire-tyler-bertuzzi-red-wings-2-picks
  20. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4268326/2023/03/02/tyler-bertuzzi-trade-bruins-red-wings/
  21. https://nesn.com/2023/03/bruins-announce-number-for-trade-acquisition-tyler-bertuzzi/
  22. https://985thesportshub.com/listicle/tyler-bertuzzi-is-crazy-in-the-best-possible-way-for-the-bruins/
  23. https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/ask/tyler-bertuzzi-stats-with-boston
  24. https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2023/8/23/23840955/2023-player-ratings-tyler-bertuzzi-filled-need-then-bailed-tyler-bertuzzi-bruins-review-maple-leafs
  25. https://nesn.com/2023/04/bruins-tyler-bertuzzi-dazzles-in-first-career-postseason-game/
  26. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2023/05/01/boston-bruins-detroit-red-wings-tyler-bertuzzi-impresses-first-nhl-playoff-series/70168297007/
  27. https://bostonhockeynow.com/2023/07/07/boston-bruins-one-year-bertuzzi-deal-was-never-an-option-for-bruins/
  28. https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-bruins/2023/07/04/tyler-bertuzzi-bruins-nhl-hockey-toronto-maple-leafs/
  29. https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/maple-leafs-sign-forward-tyler-bertuzzi-345190432
  30. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/37950412/bertuzzi-maple-leafs-settle-one-year-55-million-deal
  31. https://puckpedia.com/signing/8393
  32. https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/TOR/2024.html
  33. https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/76/toronto-maple-leafs/stats/2023-2024
  34. https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/player/tyler-bertuzzi-4540
  35. https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/report-tyler-bertuzzi-will-not-return-to-maple-leafs-after-being-out-priced-in-toronto
  36. https://puckpedia.com/player/tyler-bertuzzi
  37. https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/release-blackhawks-ink-tyler-bertuzzi-to-four-year-contract
  38. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5607836/2024/07/01/nhl-contract-grade-tyler-bertuzzi-blackhawks/
  39. https://hockeyhotstove.com/can-tyler-bertuzzi-deliver-for-the-blackhawks-in-2025-26/
  40. https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/players/2094538/tyler-bertuzzi/
  41. https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/blackhawks-key-forward-is-big-x-factor
  42. https://www.nhl.com/news/2019-world-championship-hockey-schedule-rosters-307246548
  43. https://olympic.ca/2019/05/07/faq-team-canada-at-the-2019-iihf-world-championship/
  44. https://www.quanthockey.com/whc/en/teams/team-canada-players-2019-whc-stats.html
  45. https://www.quanthockey.com/hockey-stats/en/profile.php?player=27773
  46. https://www.nhl.com/news/tyler-bertuzzi-finding-comfort-level-with-connor-bedard-chicago-blackhawks
  47. https://thehockeywriters.com/blackhawks-tyler-bertuzzi-needs-to-embrace-mayhem-amid-scoring-drought/
  48. https://6ixonice.com/2024/04/13/how-tyler-bertuzzi-and-max-domi-have-impacted-the-toronto-maple-leafs/
  49. https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/feature-bertuzzi-and-chelios-confident-in-blashill-leading-blackhawks-forward
  50. https://sportsforecaster.com/nhl/p/20096/Tyler_Bertuzzi
  51. https://www.secondcityhockey.com/chicago-blackhawks-2024-offseason-additions-tyler-bertuzzi-scouting-report-lineup-projections/
  52. https://thehockeywriters.com/blackhawks-2025-26-player-previews-tyler-bertuzzi/
  53. https://certitude.org.uk/Resources/beEo82/6OK118/tyler__bertuzzi__injury_history.pdf
  54. https://www.mlive.com/redwings/2014/09/red_wings_prospects_tyler_bert_1.html
  55. https://puckprose.com/2022/02/22/red-wings-bertuzzi-coming-motown/
  56. https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/hockey/news/red-wings-tyler-bertuzzi-suspended-two-games/
  57. https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/chicagos_tyler_bertuzzi_facing_suspension_for_elbowing_former_blackhawks_forward/s1_17637_41489318
  58. https://www.hockeypatrol.com/nhl/news/A-Violent-Angry-Outburst-From-Tyler-Bertuzzi-Will-Likely-Have-Him-Suspended
  59. https://blog.tangent.com/Resources/beEo82/6OK118/tyler__bertuzzi-injury__history.pdf
  60. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2020/01/01/physical-play-fighting-spirit-winning-formula-detroit-red-wings/2789408001/
  61. https://www.nhl.com/video/bertuzzi-suspended-two-games-302565570
  62. https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2018/12/tyler-bertuzzi-suspended-two-games-for-unsportsmanlike-conduct.html
  63. https://sportsforecaster.com/nhl/p/20096/Tyler_Bertuzzi/transactions
  64. https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/blackhawks-tyler-bertuzzi-ejected-from-game-vs-stars-for-elbowing
  65. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/30/chicago-blackhawks-dallas-stars-penalties/
  66. https://www.hawksinsider.com/nhl-team/chicago-blackhawks/chicago-tyler-bertuzzi-to-receive-suspension-for-elbowing-former-blackhawks-forward
  67. https://apnews.com/article/sports-nhl-health-coronavirus-pandemic-detroit-red-wings-a8ae0db7e2bf71868e4aa3395f5b04af
  68. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2021/09/22/tyler-bertuzzi-lone-red-wings-player-choose-not-have-covid-19-vaccine/5812646001/
  69. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2021/09/23/detroit-red-wings-tyler-bertuzzi-my-choice-refuse-covid-vaccine/5828912001/
  70. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2021/12/13/tyler-bertuzzi-covid-vaccine-detroit-red-wings/6497143001/
  71. https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nhl/red-wings/2022/09/21/detroit-red-wings-tyler-bertuzzi-covid-19-vaccine-canada-nhl/69508234007/
  72. https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2021/12/19/devils-mason-geertsen-tyler-bertuzzi-go-get-vaccinated-chirp/81417571007/
  73. https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/bertuzzi-maple-leafs-agree-year-55-million-deal/story?id=100599835
  74. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/09/24/tyler-bertuzzi-vaccine-canada/
  75. https://ca.style.yahoo.com/toronto-maple-leafs-tyler-ashley-bertuzzi-2nd-pregnancy-170411839.html
  76. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/tyler-bertuzzi-wife
  77. https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/tyler-bertuzzi-s-girlfriend-ashley-greasley-relationship-history
  78. https://ca.style.yahoo.com/canadian-nhler-tyler-bertuzzis-wife-ashley-announces-baby-no-3-in-sweet-post-153308562.html
  79. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/10/14/blackhawks-player-tyler-bertuzzi-buys-lakeview-home-for-2-3m/
  80. https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/news/profile-get-to-know-tyler-bertuzzi
  81. https://www.nhl.com/blackhawks/video/bertuzzi-donates-his-flow-6367802228112
  82. https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/it-was-the-perfect-time-to-donate-to-kids-with-cancer-why-tyler-bertuzzi-sported-a-new-look-at-maple-leafs-practice
  83. https://oodmag.com/gone-fishing-with-maple-leafs-winger-tyler-bertuzzi/
  84. https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/ask/tyler-bertuzzi-career-postseason-stats
  85. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im_u7qtltNU
  86. https://chl.ca/ohl-storm/alumni-bio-tyler-bertuzzi/
  87. https://www.wjr.com/2020/10/28/tyler-bertuzzi-awarded-one-year-contract/
  88. https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/30205338/detroit-red-wings-tyler-bertuzzi-awarded-35m-1-year-deal-arbitrator
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.