Detroit Red Wings Training Camp Preview: Players in the Spotlight
By Chris Giles
Tyler Bertuzzi
Tyler Bertuzzi recently signed a two year contract extension to continue to play in Detroit. He will earn $4,750,000 annually for the duration of the deal. Like Larkin, Bertuzzi will become an UFA after the 2022-23 season.
Due to a serious back injury, Bertuzzi only played nine games last season. He scored five goals and seven points before the injury became too much to handle. He underwent surgery and hopefully he is healthy to begin training camp.
If healthy, Bertuzzi is a significant part of Detroit’s top line. He is a multi-dimensional player who in my opinion makes Dylan Larkin a better player. He plays a high energy aggressive game that was sorely missed after his season ended. Prior to last season, Bertuzzi had consecutive 21 goal seasons.
Playing on a line with Jakub Vrana and Dylan Larkin should be fun to watch. The power play should be improved as the trio should be on the top unit.
This is an important year for Bertuzzi and the Red Wings. Is Bertuzzi part of the rebuild? Should he be used as a trade chip to acquire players or picks that can help the team when they will hopefully become contenders?
If Bertuzzi’s back doesn’t cooperate, the Red Wings are only on the hook financially for two years. Only time will tell, and we should get some idea during the next two weeks of camp.