3 free agent forwards from the Eastern Conference the St. Louis Blues must avoid
![Feb 13, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save Feb 13, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2691,h_1513,x_0,y_96/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/104/01hxhex6mcekcga9ha1j.jpg)
Tyler Bertuzzi, Toronto Maple Leafs
Tyler Bertuzzi is one player who looked poised for a breakthrough following his 62-point, 30-goal campaign in 2021-22 before his 2022-23 season didn’t see him enjoy an uptick in production. Bertuzzi finished the year with just 30 points and eight goals in 50 games before he bounced back with a serviceable 43-point, 21-goal outing in 80 contests.
Still not Bertuzzi’s best numbers, but his defensive play stood out for a team that couldn’t get enough of it, yet the Toronto Maple Leafs once again fell short in Round 1 of the playoffs. Perhaps general manager Brad Treliving was impressed enough by a defensive effort from Bertuzzi that saw him record career-highs in blocks (44), hits (98), and takeaways (44).
Bertuzzi also bounced back in his goal-scoring efforts, snagging 21 of them and a 13.1 shooting percentage. For the Blues, this means a potential middle-six scorer, plus someone who could give them even more help in the defensive zone.
Overall, Bertuzzi wouldn’t make for a bad signing, but it’s all about what type of player the Blues will get. The one from 2021-22 and this past season, or the player that struggled to stay on the ice and didn’t put together too many solid performances in 2022-23?
The Blues need someone with a more consistent track record than Bertuzzi, even if he wouldn’t make for an awful signing if Doug Armstrong brought him in on a “prove-it” deal.