DENVER – Robert Bortuzzo says he’s still got a little hockey left in him.
The rugged defenceman, who won a Stanley Cup in 2019, the highlight of his 10 seasons with the St. Louis Blues, says he’s open to just about any opportunity that might arise, whether it’s a contender looking for depth on the blue-line or a rebuilding team searching for some veteran leadership to help with their youth movement.
The 35-year-old, dealt late in the season from St. Louis to the New York Islanders, said he’s had a few inquiries from teams, but nothing that’s yet led to a contract offer.
“I still love the game, still enjoy being a part of the locker room and the team. At the start of the offseason there wasn’t really any thought of packing it in. I got to play some playoff hockey at the end of last year. It was very exciting and I still feel like I can play at this level,” Bortuzzo said, interviewed via Zoom from his home in Denver.
“I didn’t fully expect something early in summer, being in my position and age and whatnot.”
Bortuzzo, one of two former Superior International Junior Hockey League players to make the jump to the NHL, was drafted by Pittsburgh in 2007 and spent parts of four seasons with the Penguins before being shipped to St. Louis midway through the 2013-14 campaign.
He said he expected a lull in free agency after the initial rush, but as teams assess their rosters as camps get set to open, he’s hopeful an organization will find a spot for him.
“We’ve touched base with some teams,” he said. “A lot of teams like to settle their roster and see what they have. I’m expected to be in kind of a 6-7-8 position. I think a lot of teams get their work done earlier in the summer and then I think GMs need their summer break as well.
“I was told around this time, in August, things kind of pick back up again. Teams will evaluate what they have and what they think they might need moving forward. That’s kind of what we’re hoping, that someone is looking for a veteran guy who knows his role and can support some younger guys and some of their growth.”
With 560 NHL games under his belt, and 60 more in the playoffs, he added he’s got the experience some contending teams might be seeking.
“I’m a guy who's kind of been there or a guy who might help in your locker room. It’s still a little bit of a waiting game. I’m not an overly stressed person. Everything usually works itself out and we’re hoping that’s the case.”
Bortuzzo, who won a Memorial Cup with the Kitchener Rangers in 2008, to go with his SIJHL championship in 2006, said he’s also open to playing in Europe if the NHL doesn’t come calling. He’d also be interested in getting into coaching should his playing days come to an end.
He played in 27 regular season games with the Blues and Islanders last season, failing to record a point, but picked up an assist in five playoff games.
For his career, he’s got 20 goals and 54 assists in 560 appearances, adding two goals and three assists in the postseason.
