Red Wings: Analyzing Every Left Winger in the Organization
By Chris Giles
Tyler Bertuzzi
Age: 26
GP: 9
G: 5
A: 2
PTS: 7
Tyler Bertuzzi is a former 2nd round pick from 2014. Bertuzzi missed most of last season with a back injury. He claims that he will be ready for training camp. Like last off-season, Bertuzzi is currently a RFA and may once again go to arbitration. At some point, General Manager Steve Yzerman will have to decide if Bertuzzi is part of the long-term rebuild, or should he be traded for assets.
Jakub Vrana
Age: 25
GP: 50
G: 19
A: 17
PTS: 36
Jakub Vrana was the cornerstone of the Anthony Mantha trade in April. Vrana scored eight goals and 11 points in 11 games after the trade. Vrana is currently an RFA and could sign a long-term deal prior to the start of training camp.
Robby Fabbri
Age: 25
GP: 30
G: 10
A: 8
PTS: 18
Robby Fabbri was acquired via a lopsided trade with St. Louis last year. He once again missed a significant amount of time due to injury. In 82 games since his acquisition, Fabbri has scored 24 goals and 49 points in a Red Wings uniform. Fabbri has one year left on his current contract and will then become a UFA. If Yzerman can’t come to terms with Fabbri, expect him to be shopped around prior to the trade deadline.
Adam Erne
Age: 26
GP: 45
G: 11
A: 9
PTS: 20
Adam Erne was acquire from Tampa Bay for a 4th round pick in 2020. He scored a career best 11 goals for Detroit this year. He is currently an RFA and should be protected in the Seattle Expansion Draft. Erne also played his way into a new contract for more money in order to stay with the Red Wings next year.
Darren Helm
Age: 34
GP: 47
G: 3
A: 5
PTS: 8
Darren Helm is a former 5th round draft choice from 2005. He has spent his entire 14 year career with Detroit. He is a UFA and will most likely have to seek employment elsewhere if he wants to continue playing in the NHL.
Taro Hirose
Age: 25
GP: 6
G: 0
A: 2
PTS: 2
Taro Hirose signed as a free agent out of Michigan State (NCAA) in 2019. He has played 42 games for Detroit over the last three seasons. Last year, Hirose also played 29 games for Grand Rapids (AHL) scoring 28 points. Hirose is a UFA and will be looking to sign a deal with another team in order to potentially play in the NHL next year.