Tyler Bertuzzi is A-OK with Chicago Blackhawks leadership role. ‘He’s a really great veteran,’ GM says

When Connor Bedard was named the 37th captain of the Chicago Blackhawks last week, he expressed his gratitude for the honor. He also ribbed Patrick Kane and Oliver Moore for their casual attire.

“Really dressed up for it, so I’m happy about that,” Bedard said jokingly.

Shortly after Bedard’s remarks, coach Jeff Blashill announced that Kane and Tyler Bertuzzi, who sat in the front row at Tuesday’s news conference, would be alternate captains.

“Specifically wearing the A’s will be Kane and Bertuzzi,” Blashill said at the United Center. “Both are great leaders in their own right, great experience, (and) they can complement that part of our leadership group and we’ll lean on other guys through the season. That’ll be our leadership group and we’re really excited about it.”

It was the most likely outcome given Kane’s and Bertuzzi’s experience paired with Bedard’s skill. Bertuzzi, a 31-year-old wing, is entering his 11th NHL season and third in Chicago coming off a strong year with the Hawks.

Bertuzzi compiled 58 points as a front-of-the-net facilitator, scoring a career-high 32 goals and adding 26 assists. Despite the Hawks finishing with the second-worst record in the NHL, the wing gave maximum effort every shift.

He hopes his on-ice tactics continue to rub off on the rest of the Hawks.

“I don’t even need to show it, our team works really hard,” Bertuzzi said at training camp Friday at the Blackhawks Ice Center. “That’s something that we don’t lack. We can get better in every asset, and work ethic is going to be our main thing.”

Bertuzzi last season was awarded the “A” for the first time in his career after the trades of Nick Foligno, Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson. Bertuzzi was still that give-it-all player before the patch, but he learned a thing or two from his leadership stint.

“That’s where I’m going to do most of my leading, just with work ethic and the way (I) play the game,” Bertuzzi said. “Like (Bedard) said at his press conference, we can both learn a little bit more how to be more vocal in the room, and that’s just going to come with time.”

General manager Kyle Davidson said awarding Bedard with the captain’s letter was an easy choice. He echoed the sentiment regarding Bertuzzi.

“Around the room and within our team structure, he’s a really great veteran,” Davidson said Thursday. “Guys love being around him. He’s a person (whose) seen a lot of things (because) he’s been a couple different places.

“You can take the temperature on certain situations with him, ask his opinion on some of the operations and how he sees it, and that opinion carries weight. Getting to know Tyler a little bit over his time here, it felt like a very natural progression (and) whether you’re wearing a letter or not, there’s a leadership role to play. Tyler certainly fell into that category since he’s arrived.”

There was no shortage of praise from Davidson and Blashill regarding Bertuzzi, who is grateful for both the team’s confidence in him and the “A” paired with it.

“It’s an honor. I worked for a little bit at the end and dove into that role,” Bertuzzi said. “I’m looking to still grow and learn as a leader (and) as a player. It’s an honor to get to wear an ‘A’ and lead by example.”

Bertuzzi has been the second line’s left wing early in camp. Centering the group is Anton Frondell, while Nick Lardis skated on the right.

Lineups are sure to change when Bedard returns from his left shoulder surgery. For now (and maybe for good), Kane is the right wing on the top line. For Bertuzzi, it’s as equal of an honor to lead the Hawks with the franchise icon.

“(Kane’s) a guy who’s been around a long time, and a lot of it was with this organization,” Bertuzzi said. “You can learn off him, bounce some ideas and watch and see how he leads.”

Bedard mentioned that the team was “pissed off” about missing the playoffs last season. Nazar agreed with the sentiment, and Bertuzzi can sense something different so far at camp.

“Every year that you’re not in the playoffs, you’re pissed off,” Bertuzzi said. “It’s the most excited it seems everyone’s been for a training camp and for a season to start. We feel like we have the right guys to be able to do it, and we’re all excited.”