Tyler Bertuzzi is off to a noteworthy start in the 2025-26 season with the Chicago Blackhawks, demonstrating his potential to be a key player for the team. The 30-year-old left winger, now in his second season with the Blackhawks, is displaying a level of commitment and motivation that suggests a more consistent and impactful performance compared to his first year.
In the 2024 offseason, the Blackhawks signed Bertuzzi to a four-year contract with an annual cap hit of $5.5 million. At the time, this was the longest term and highest monetary commitment General Manager Kyle Davidson had offered to any free agent. Although expectations were high, Bertuzzi's first season was marked by inconsistency, despite tallying 23 goals, which tied for second-most on the team with Connor Bedard. His 46 points placed him fourth among the Blackhawks. There were stretches where his production waned, leaving fans wanting more.
However, the current season is showing a different trajectory. Through the first 13 games, Bertuzzi's performance indicates a more positive direction. Coach Jeff Blashill has acknowledged Bertuzzi's history as a slow starter and expressed optimism that this season will be different.
One factor that may contribute to Bertuzzi's improved performance is his familiarity with Blashill, who is known to bring added intensity to Bertuzzi's game. Despite inconsistent play in the previous season, Bertuzzi still managed to score 23 goals, the second-highest in his career. Playing on the second line with Frank Nazar and Teuvo Teravainen during training camp seems to be a good fit for Bertuzzi, allowing him to focus on crashing the net and scoring, while Nazar and Teravainen utilize their speed and skill to create opportunities.
Bertuzzi's skill around the net is particularly valuable, as demonstrated by his ten power-play goals last season, which ranked second on the Blackhawks. With skilled playmakers like Bedard, Nazar, and Rinzel on the power play, Bertuzzi is expected to continue contributing significantly in this area.
An example of Bertuzzi's impact was seen in a game against the Vancouver Canucks on November 5, 2025, where he scored a hat trick in the third period, leading the Blackhawks to a 5-2 victory. His goals came in various forms, showcasing his versatility around the net. One goal deflected off his skate, another was a redirection on the power play, and the third sealed the hat trick.
Blackhawks' coach Jeff Blashill highlighted the importance of winning a challenge that kept the game scoreless, which allowed Bertuzzi's offensive outburst to make a difference. Bertuzzi's hat trick marked a significant achievement, making him the seventh Chicago player in the past 30 years to score a hat trick in a single period. He is also the sixth player in NHL history to achieve this feat for three Original Six teams, having previously done so with the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs.
In the opening game of the 2025-26 season against the Florida Panthers on October 7, Bertuzzi contributed assists on both of the Blackhawks' goals. Throughout his career, Bertuzzi has consistently started seasons strong, with 11 points in eight career season-opening games, the most among current Blackhawks players.
With a combination of experience, skill, and a favorable coaching connection, Tyler Bertuzzi is positioned to make a substantial contribution to the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2025-26 season.
