Ex-Maple Leafs Tyler Bertuzzi’s reason to join Blackhawks raises NHL tampering allegations: Report

On July 5, Chicago Blackhawks winger Tyler Bertuzzi explained his reason for moving to the Windy City. The Hockey News quoted Tyler Bertuzzi as saying:

“Chicago wasn’t really on my radar, and the day before free agency, Nick Foligno called me and said, ‘You know they’re a little interested’ and I was obviously excited about that, and the kind things went on from there.”

While the conversation may seem in good faith, Foligno technically broke the rules by contacting a player before the official opening of free agency. As such, questions have been raised regarding potential tampering allegations involving the Chicago Blackhawks.

The big question is: Will the league take this matter seriously?

The answer is unclear. The league has not made any pronouncement regarding the Tyler Bertuzzi matter. If anything, Foligno and Hawks GM Kyle Davidson can claim they’ve had a long-standing relationship with Bertuzzi, given their roots in Sudbury, Ontario.

The Hockey News captured Bertuzzi’s comments regarding the Sudbury connection:

“I grew up in Sudbury and played for the Copper Cliff Redmen (association), and they had the Blackhawks logo. So, it’s kind of full circle.”

It remains to be seen whether the league will investigate the matter. If the league does, the consequences may not amount to much.

Potential consequences for Tyler Bertuzzi and the Blackhawks

What could happen if the NHL decided to investigate the tampering allegations regarding Bertuzzi’s signing in Chicago? For starters, there is no telling how long the investigation would take. Also, the league doesn’t seem especially motivated to pursue the matter.

However, there was one tampering incident that particularly stands out as a possible reference point. In 2016, then-Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning was given a $50,000 fine regarding attempts to lure Steven Stamkos and P.K. Subban via free agency.

Bening had said the Canucks were interested in Stamkos, yet to become a free agent, and Subban, still under contract with the Montreal Canadiens. The public backlash prompted Benning to own up to his comments.

The league accepted his apologies, slapping a $50,000 fine on Benning.

If Benning’s situation serves as any precedent, the Blackhawks can expect a severe reprimand and a token fine. Beyond that, not much should be expected to come of this situation. Unless the league wants to make an example out of someone, it’s hard to envision this matter going any further.

In the meantime, players and organizations will most likely be more careful with their comments to avoid such situations.