Blackhawks' $22M Forward Admits Team's Struggles

Tyler Bertuzzi calls out immaturity and lack of leadership as Chicago's playoff hopes fade.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:48pm

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Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Bertuzzi did not hold back after another tough loss, admitting the team is struggling to find answers late in the NHL season. Bertuzzi pointed to a mix of youth and inconsistency, while stressing that responsibility falls on the entire roster, including the veteran players who need to step up and lead.

Why it matters

The Blackhawks have fallen out of playoff contention, dropping six of their last eight games. Bertuzzi's comments highlight the team's identity crisis and the challenges they face in rebuilding around young star Connor Bedard.

The details

Following a 6-1 defeat to the New York Rangers, Bertuzzi said the group is still trying to figure out what is going wrong, citing issues with the team's youth and immaturity. He placed pressure on the veteran players, saying they must lead better and set the standard for their younger teammates.

  • The Blackhawks have now dropped six of their last eight games.
  • Chicago sits last in the Central Division with a 27-33-13 record.

The players

Tyler Bertuzzi

A $22 million forward for the Chicago Blackhawks who has recorded 53 points in 70 games this season, but has a minus-19 rating reflecting the team's defensive struggles.

Connor Bedard

The young star leading the Blackhawks' rebuild, but inconsistency has defined the team's season.

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What they’re saying

“We're trying to figure out [what's going wrong] ourselves. I don't know if it's just such a young team, immaturity, and we can't put it together. But it's on everyone.”

— Tyler Bertuzzi, Blackhawks Forward

“It's on us older guys to show the lead and have them follow. As a group, everyone, the last few games, we have not been good at all.”

— Tyler Bertuzzi, Blackhawks Forward

What’s next

With time running out, the Blackhawks' final stretch may now focus more on growth than results as they try to build around Bedard and address the team's identity issues.

The takeaway

Bertuzzi's blunt assessment of the Blackhawks' struggles highlights the challenges the team faces in rebuilding, with issues of youth, inconsistency, and lack of veteran leadership all contributing to their slide out of playoff contention.