The Daily: Bertuzzi an Even-Strength Dynamo; Czarnik Leaves Red Wings For Europe

Nate Brown of Chicago Hockey Now dug deeply to explore the newcomers to the Blackhawks roster, including former Detroit Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi. He looked at one off-the-radar stat produced last season by each incoming player, and was discovering that perhaps Bertuzzi’s nickname should Even Steven.

With Tyler Bertuzzi and Andreas Athanasiou set to be reunited as teammates with the @NHLBlackhawks, will they bring back their pregame juggling routine? 🤹🤹‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/ZXSwebVANv

— NHL (@NHL) July 4, 2024

Playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2023-24 NHL season, Bertuzzi would score 16 of his 21 goals while the Leafs were playing at even strength. That works out to 76 percent.

Expectations are that Bertuzzi will be playing on Connor Bedard’s wing next season. That being the case, he should be in line to get plenty of opportunities to pot more goals while the Blackhawks are skating at even strength.

While a Red Wings forward, Bertuzzi scored 88 goals. Of that total 70 were at even strength. That works out to 79.5 percent.

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Red Wings Offseason

Unable to find an NHL deal, Red Wings UFA forward Austin Czarnik is signing with SC Bern of the Swiss League. Czarnik split last season between Detroit and the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. Former Red Wings defenseman Patrik Nemeth also plays for SC Bern.

Austin Czarnik is headed overseas after signing a one-year contract with SC Bern#LGRW #GoGRG https://t.co/ljRGChWcAl

— Elaine Shircliff (@imaraindancer) July 20, 2024

“Czarnik is a center that is strong on both sides of the puck and can be used in all situations”, Bern’s team manager Patrick Bärtschi told Swiss Hockey News. “We are convinced he will be able to help the team with his experience and leadership.”

Hockey Now Network

Buffalo: Will the Sabres miss the leadership qualities brought to the team last season by veteran forwards Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons? Buffalo Sabres

Boston: Leaving his hometown team, defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is ready for a new start with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Boston Bruins

Pittsburgh: With little in the way of meaninful change among their Metropolitan divisional rivals, the Penguins are in with a chance of playoff hockey entering the 2024-25 season. Pittsburgh Penguins

San Jose: The Sharks are in need of a top-four defenseman and Sheng Peng of SJ Hockey Now looks at who might be available via trade or among the remaining UFAs. San Jose Sharks

Philadelphia: Should the Flyers make a bid for disgruntled Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko? Philadelphia Flyers

Colorado: Avalanche draftee Ilya Nabokov stoned New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin on a penalty shot during a charity NHL vs KHL game in Russia. Former Red Wings forward Evgeni Svechnikov was playing for the KHL team in the game, while ex-Red Wings star Igor Larionov was coaching the team of Russian NHLers. Colorado Avalanche