(File photo) Tyler Bertuzzi (59) dives for the puck as Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nikita Zaitsev (22) starts skating up ice in the second period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports The Chicago Blackhawks hit free agency with full force on Monday, agreeing to terms with forward Tyler Bertuzzi and bringing back 29-year-old defenseman Teuvo Teravainen from their 2015 Stanley Cup-winning roster.
A total tab on Chicago’s spending wasn’t reconciled by Monday afternoon, when seven deals were announced in free agency, headlined by Bertuzzi (four years, $22 million) and Tervainen, whose contract is worth $5.4 million per season over four years.
Bertuzzi, 29, ended last season with Toronto’s top line and scored 21 goals with 22 assists in 80 games for the Maple Leafs. He was acquired after being traded midseason in 2022-23 from the Detroit Red Wings to the Boston Bruins.
GM Kyle Davidson said Bertuzzi was coveted because of his constant competitiveness, noting he “brings it every night.”
“He has enjoyed consistent offensive success throughout his career and we look forward to watching Tyler to continue to produce at the high level he’s shown he is capable of,” Davidson said.
Teravainen had 28 assists and 25 goals in 76 regular-season games for the Carolina Hurricanes last season and had two goals with four assists in 11 playoff games. He was a first-round pick of the Blackhawks in 2012.
“We’re thrilled to have Teuvo back in Chicago,” Davidson said. “He was a big part of our 2015 Stanley Cup team and we’re excited to have his leadership and experience back in our room.”
Goaltender Laurent Brossoit is also joining the Blackhawks — according to his agent — and signed a two-year, $6.6 million deal.
The Blackhawks confirmed one-year contracts with forwards Pat Maroon ($1.3 million) and Craig Smith ($1 million), as well as a two-year deal with Joey Anderson.
Brossoit, 31, is 22-5-5 over the past two seasons as a backup with the Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets. He was 15-2-2 for Winnipeg last season with a 2.00 goals-against average.
Maroon, 36, split the 2023-24 season between the Minnesota Wild and the Boston Bruins. He has played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs eight consecutive seasons and is a three-time Cup winner (Blues, Lightning).
Smith, 34, registered 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) in 75 regular-season games with the Dallas Stars in 2023-24.
The team did not immediately confirm contract agreements reported with defenseman Alec Martinez (one year, $1.4 million) and center Craig Smith (one year, $1 million).
Earlier in the offseason, the Blackhawks acquired Ilya Mikheyev and Sam Lafferty from the Vancouver Canucks.
–Field Level Media
