Can Tyler Bertuzzi repeat career 2025-26 season?

During the final month of the NHL offseason, we will take a look a storylines to watch for each player. The Chicago Blackhawks have plenty to choose from.

Starting with forward Tyler Bertuzzi. He had the second-best scoring season of his career with 58 points in 79 games. Furthermore, he reached a career-high in goals with 32.

I don't think many predicted Bertuzzi for having the season he did. Sure, he is an important part of the Blackhawks top-six and offense. He was supposed to be in the top five on the team in scoring. Still, having the goal-scoring breakout he did inspired a lot of confidence. He had chemistry with many of his linemates throughout the season, including Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Teuvo Teräväinen, and even rookie Anton Frondell.

Even if Bertuzzi's goal output came as a pleasant surprise, it wasn't to Bertuzzi. As he said back in March when he was asked if he envisioned a 30-goal season for himself, "No. But I know I can do it. I've done it before. You know, I'm going to keep going to the net, keep doing the same things. Like I said before, my body's been feeling good. It's been keeping me in games and being able to compete at the hardest I can and at the highest level I can. And, obviously, playing with some good players to help."

Can Bertuzzi elevate his game even further?

Looking to the 2026-27 season. It's fair to wonder what's in store for Bertuzzi. With Bedard missing the start of the season, he will be one of the most significant players to help the team's offense.

Last season, he not only led the team in goals but also in power-play goals with 11. Bertuzzi had a niche on the power play. He did well with scrappy, net-front presence that allowed him to score those greasy goals. It wasn't just a power-play skill; he carried that into five-on-five play as well.

As goaltender Spencer Knight said about him, "He's funny. He's Bert... He's probably one of the best in the league just around the net. He's just on one leg, you know, slapping the puck in the net... Again, that's another guy; just smart. He knows where he needs to get to. And I think that's how he's so effective."

Production aside, the other part of the season is the role he took on last season. He got the "A" mid-season, alongside Bedard, as head coach Jeff Blashill praised him for "playing the right, winning-type hockey"." Blashill and Bertuzzi had history before Blashill took the Blackhawks' coaching job, as Blashill coached Bertuzzi in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins and with the Detroit Red Wings.

Bertuzzi said about Blashill's impact on his season at exit interviews in April, "Yeah, I mean, I've had him for so long in Detroit. I think he just brings the best out of me, and I want to play the best I can, and compete at the highest level I can for him."

When you put all the factors together of leadership, chemistry with his teammates, and a head coach he loves playing for, I think there is room for Bertuzzi to have another solid year.

Will Bertuzzi repeat 32 goals?

It's possible. The Blackhawks should be better on offense and special teams this season, especially with the return of Patrick Kane, the addition of defenseman Bowen Byram, and also with the youth of players like Bedard, Nazar, Oliver Moore, and company, who should continue to take their games further.

The 31 year old has consistently hovered over the 20-goal range in his career. It might be tough. However, if the team rises next season, and Bertuzzi picks up where he left off, there is no reason why he can't hit the 30-goal mark again.

And if he does, it wouldn't surprise his teammates, or Bertuzzi himself.

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