Tyler Bertuzzi's improvement this season has been a positive development for the Blackhawks

Tyler Bertuzzi has been one of the most consistent offensive producers for the Chicago Blackhawks all season as the 31-year-old Sudbury native leads the team with 28 goals and is the highest in points among all players not named Connor Bedard.

Bertuzzi's goal-scoring ability has been effective for a Blackhawks team that has often struggled to put pucks in the back of the net. He and Bedard have been by far the most reliable in that regard on the regular.

Bertuzzi's improvement is big for the Blackhawks

"Bert's" improvement in form this year compared to last is a positive development for this team as he looks to make his mark as a veteran leader this group of youth can lean on. With the entire past leadership cast being depleted this past trade deadline, Tyler has stepped up to help fill the void.

Jeff Blashill and the coaching staff named Bertuzzi as an alternate captain for a reason. He is a guy who has become very well-liked in the Chicago locker room for his unique personality. On a squad filled with youthful inexperience, the veteran presence of Bertuzzi is a useful asset for this group.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has to feel good about this signing. Bertuzzi's first season in Chicago was a mixed bag, as he recorded 23 goals and 43 points in 82 games. It was an up-and-down year for Bertuzzi as he would often go long stretches without production in between his hot stretches.

This year has brought more consistency in Bertuzzi's game. Much of this he has credited to Blashill, as the two had previously worked together during their time with the Detroit Red Wings, so the chemistry was already in place.

Bertuzzi has been at his strongest on the road, as 18 of his 28 goals have come in away games. The power play is another area Bertuzzi has found success with, 11 of those goals coming with the extra man. This is largely thanks to the lethal connection he has developed with Bedard, as he has been able to find Bertuzzi at the front of the net for those Grade-A high-danger chances in the slot. Like Bedard, Bertuzzi has also touted multiple hat tricks this season.

There is a question regarding which of the older vets remaining on this team will be a part of the club's long-term plans for the future. Some guys, like Ryan Donato, will likely have already received extensions. Other guys like Ilya Mikheyev, whose contract ends after this season, and Teuvo Teravainen, who has just one year remaining on his deal, are more questionable.

For now, Bertuzzi has a future here as he sits on this team's books until 2028. And with the way he has been playing of late, he strengthens his case to remain beyond. But he will be 33 when his contract ends, and this organization will look quite different by then, so a lot can change. Plus, with four Original 6 teams already checked off the list, perhaps he'll want to complete the rotation.

In the meantime, Bertuzzi will aim to continue his strong play with Chicago, as he looks to help push this team out of the rebuild and into contention in what will hopefully be the not-too-distant future.