Utah HC Signs Robert Bortuzzo to One-Year Deal

The Utah Hockey Club has added to their defensive depth, as they have signed defenseman Robert Bortuzzo to a one-year, two-way contract. Bortuzzo will make $775,000 at the NHL level and $450,000 in the minors.

The #UtahHC signed 35 y/o RD Robert Bortuzzo to 1 year contract

NHL 775K
Minors 450K

Rep’d by Rob Hooper @OctagonHockey

1st on signing @ScottieUpshall https://t.co/VULpP9f9EK
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) August 31, 2024

Bortuzzo, 35, spent this past season split between the St. Louis Blues and New York Islanders, where he had zero points, 38 hits, 51 blocks, and an even plus/minus rating in 27 games. He missed a decent chunk of the year due to a lower-body injury but will now look to stay healthy and make an impact with Utah from here.

With this move, Utah has added another veteran to their blueline depth. When looking at their current roster, Bortuzzo should challenge for a spot on their bottom pairing. At a minimum, he should be a decent seventh or eighth defender for Utah from here.

Bortuzzo has appeared in 560 career NHL games split between the Pittsburgh Penguins, Blues, and Islanders, where he has 20 goals, 54 assists, 74 points, and 1,095 hits. It will now be interesting to see how much of an impact he can make with Utah during the 2024-25 season from here.