Former Detroit Red Wing Tyler Bertuzzi set to reunite with former teammate

The Chicago Blackhawks quickly snatched up Tyler Bertuzzi at the start of free agency last season, at a payday of $5.5 million AAV.

Bertuzzi excelled last season, scoring a total of 46 points with the Blackhawks, but was unable to provide a sustainable backcheck with a -39 and a lack of consistency that plagued him throughout the year.

Since Bertuzzi isn't getting the job done in Chicago, finding himself playing up and down the lineup, he could be subject to a buyout.

A buyout would save the Blackhawks $7.3 million over the next three seasons, using PuckPedia's buyout tool.

The buyout could see him on a hunt for a new home in the NHL, and what better place than somewhere he's been before, like the Toronto Maple Leafs? He's got the kind of playstyle Brad Treliving likes, as a gritty, two-way forward.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could scoop up cheaply after his buyout, with $25 million available.

The 30-year old been pushed out of the lineup by the bourgeoning youth movement in Chicago.

With new leadership such as Jeff Blashill and Michael Peca taking over for Anders Sorensen, we should see changes continue to occur in Chicago as the summer progresses.

Bertuzzi should be thankful that the Maple Leafs would consider him if they do end up signing him. But the contract won't be a $5.5 million deal; we think it'll be closer to the deal he opted not to take during free agency in 2024.