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GM Kyle Davidson addresses Chicago Blackhawks tampering accusations in Tyler Bertuzzi signing
The Chicago Blackhawks have added a number of talented players this offseason, including former Toronto Maple Leaf Tyler Bertuzzi. Bertuzzi signed a four-year, $22 million deal, according to CapFriendly.
The deal surprised most NHL observers as it wasn’t believed that the Chicago Blackhawks were frontrunners in signing Bertuzzi. Up until the opening of free agency, it was thought Bertuzzi would return to the Maple Leafs.
Upon signing, Bertuzzi discussed his decision, saying the following as part of a social media post:
“Chicago wasn’t really on my radar. The day before free agency, Nick Foligno called me and said that they were interested. I was obviously excited about that and things went on from there.”
While seemingly innocent, Bertuzzi’s comments led to calls from fans questioning the Chicago Blackhawks’ approach, specifically suggesting the club had tampered with the process.
However, Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson cleared the air, stating per the Chicago Sun Times:
“We don’t ask them to do these things, but Nick cares. He knows a lot of people, he loves the team and he wants to push this thing forward.”
The comments refer to Nick Foligno’s alleged phone call with Bertuzzi prior to the opening of the free agency. The Hockey News confirmed the phone conversation between Bertuzzi and Foligno but did not allude to potential tampering.
Davidson justified the phone conversation by stating:
“Nick’s got a lot of friends around the league.”
Coincidentally, Bertuzzi is a good friend of Foligno’s. Both their families are reportedly from Sudbury, Ontario. Additionally, Kyle Davidson’s family is also from Sudbury.
Davidson concluded:
“You can see that through some of his discussions he’s had with guys...that he’s willing to tell how great he thinks the Blackhawks organization is. It’s much appreciated.”
Foligno uses connections to help Chicago Blackhawks lure free agents
The Chicago Sun Times reported on Foligno’s involvement in helping lure free agents to the Chicago Blackhawks. In particular, the Sun Times printed the following:
“The Hawks’ 36-year-old de facto captain used his vast network of friends and connections around the NHL to aid general manager Kyle Davidson’s efforts to bring in a sizable haul of free agents.”
Approaching players during free agency does not constitute tampering. However, the Sun Times reported that Foligno contacted Bertuzzi on June 30, the day before free agency opened. On June 30, Bertuzzi was still technically under contract with the Maple Leafs. As a result, that action constituted tampering.
It would be up to the league to determine if Foligno’s actions indeed constitute tampering. If so, the Blackhawks may face some sort of disciplinary action.
In the meantime, it seems the Chicago Blackhawks have leveraged Nick Foligno’s network to bring in veteran players to support rising star Connor Bedard as the club looks to emerge from its rebuild.
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