The last time Robert Bortuzzo stepped on the ice was in January in a game against the Calgary Flames. He only played 8:25 and was later placed on injured reserve after reaggravating a lower-body injury that had kept him out earlier in the season.
Since then, not much has been heard on Bortuzzo, whose fate with Utah appeared grimmer and grimmer by the day due to his contract expiring at the end of this season. At the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in St. Louis on Tuesday, ahead of Game 82 for Utah, it was officially announced that he would appear in the team’s final game against the St. Louis Blues. It was an emotional moment for both the player and the team, as it could be Bortuzzo’s final NHL game.
Not a lot has changed with Utah’s lineup since they were eliminated from the playoffs. Matt Villalta got a game, and Kailer Yamamoto and Liam O’Brien subbed in and out for each other. However, there weren’t any really big changes or opportunities that Utah made. So, it was surprising when head coach André Tourigny announced that Bortuzzo would be coming into the lineup for Nick DeSimone.
Bortuzzo has played in the NHL since the 2011-12 season, where he debuted with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In that span of time, he’s played 576 games in the NHL with the Penguins, Utah, Blues, and New York Islanders. While he’s only scored 76 points, he’s still made a significant impact on and off the ice with the four franchises he’s played for.
When Bortuzzo walked up to his presser on Tuesday morning, there was the sense that his time in Utah and potentially the NHL was coming to an end. Only playing in 16 games and being injured throughout the season was a big red herring. Bortuzzo didn’t confirm if Utah’s 82nd game of the season would be his last but hinted at it.
“It’s been a hell of a ride,” Bortuzzo said. “I’m not making any pronouncements or anything, but I just want to take it in stride and have some fun.”
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Bortuzzo came into the Utah organization knowing what role he would play. On a two-way contract, he would serve as a veteran presence, helping a young team grow. Bortuzzo said he was super lucky to play the role he did with Utah, adding he loved being around the young players.
“I think youthful energy is super healthy in any locker room,” Bortuzzo said. “Their young guys are super respectful. They love to work, and they love to have fun. That’s a recipe for a lot of positive things moving forward.”
Bortuzzo knows about the path that Utah wants to trek. He’s been on the road to a Stanley Cup many times before, making the playoffs eight times in his career and appearing in 60 games. Bortuzzo has also made it as far as any NHL player can possibly go, winning the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019.
During that time with the Blues, Bortuzzo helped the team go from last place in the entire NHL to a Stanley Cup championship. That built a strong knit group that went through the hardest challenges to get to the thing that 31 other franchises pour their heart and soul into to try to win. To play potentially his final game against the franchise he spent a decade with is special and meaningful.
“St. Louis is a spot that gave me everything professionally,” Bortuzzo said. “It created some of the best friendships, best relationships I have in my life. I owe a lot to that organization, ownership, and everything was just super first-class. To come back here and get a chance to actually play in this building where we were able to accomplish a few fun things is truly special.”
During his time with the Blues, Bortuzzo learned a lot about culture. He learned how it’s strongly connected to winning. He also learned how important it is for everyday life. A lot of the players he grew close with in St. Louis are still his closest friends today.
“It was just a place where the culture, the relationships, and the bonds were super important,” Bortuzzo said. “You built relationships that were beyond teammates. These are friends you build for life. There was always a super strong emphasis on building that strong culture. I saw it from guys like Alex Steen, Jay Bouwmeester, and guys before that who stuck around town in St. Louis. It’s a special place, and there’s a reason guys stick around. There’s just a strong bond for the city and for the organization.”
Naturally, he brought that feeling of brotherhood he learned in St. Louis over to the new and young franchise in Utah. Quickly, it’s become more than just a team, but rather a family. Players like Michael Kesselring have confirmed that.
Bortuzzo has quickly become a part of that family despite only appearing in 16 games. He’s seen everyone happy at the rink every day, and he’s felt a similar bond to what he felt with the Blues.
“I played on some close-knit teams, and this team’s no different,” Bortuzzo said. “They truly are a strong brotherhood, a good mix of young and old, and truly come to the rink with a ton of enthusiasm. Guys are happy to be at the rink every day. That’s a huge contributor to what we’ve been able to do this year and build along the way.”
Head coach André Tourigny says Bortuzzo has been a massive part of the great culture Utah has been able to create. He says it’s not about what Bortuzzo did on the ice but rather the behind-the-scenes things off the ice he was able to achieve in his lone season with the team.
“I don’t think you can measure his impact only by what he did on the ice,” Tourigny said. “The veteran presence, the championship pedigree, the composure, and the kind of teammate he is, the brother he is for our group, meant a ton. I think the guys are all excited to have him back tonight.”
Kesselring is one of the younger players on the Utah blue line. While he’s had a great season, he still has room to grow and learn. Bortuzzo has been a big part of teaching him what it’s like to be a pro and handle a full season in the NHL.
“He’s been unreal,” Kesselring said. “He’s a great pro. He’s had a long career. He’s been really good to me and everybody in the room. We’re all excited for him to get in the game tonight.”
The whole team is thrilled for Bortuzzo to be in the lineup on Tuesday. When it was announced at the hotel that he would be slotting in, the whole room exploded with jubilation. Even during his interview, players who were walking down the hallway shouted “Borts.”
It’s obvious that Bortuzzo is a player that many look up to. Tourigny says he’s someone who has been a great example of a pro for everyone to see and model themselves after.
“I think he’s been a great pro,” Tourigny said. “Just a great example for everybody that he showed up every day with not just doing the work, but doing the work with a purpose, a focus, and enthusiasm. Great job. We’re happy to have him today.”
With this being potentially Bortuzzo’s final NHL game, his family is making sure not to miss Tuesday’s game. His mom and dad will be in attendance in St. Louis, having made the trip two days ago. Talking about his parents got Bortuzzo extremely emotional. After all, they were the ones who did everything they could to get him to this point.
“They drove up from Thunder Bay,” Bortuzzo said. “They made the trek two days ago, and they wouldn’t miss this one. They molded me into who I am today, and they sacrificed so much for me to get here.”
With his 577th game set to be potentially his last, Bortuzzo has so much to look back on during his time with four different teams and be proud of. However, he reflects on his time with Utah and is happy with what he’s accomplished with the team. Bortuzzo is super thankful to have spent a year with the newest franchise in the NHL and knows the future is bright for the team.
I’m very thankful for the organization here to have given me this chance this year to be a part of this,” Bortuzzo said. “They’re obviously in good hands here. I played for four really great organizations. This team here is obviously on a good path.”
Whether Utah’s game against the Blues on Tuesday is Bortuzzo’s last or not, his contributions to the inaugural season for Utah are irreplaceable. His career is one many dream of having. While his journey might be ending, it’s one that he’ll always reflect on and be proud of. Not just as a winner, but a leader who potentially helped build a future championship team.
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