The needle seems to be pointing towards Detroit becoming sellers rather than buyers. With the trade market exploding recently, Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings are again listening to offers for forward Tyler Bertuzzi.
Bertuzzi, 28, is in the final year of his two-year deal that averages $4.75 million per season. With Boston, Toronto, New Jersey, Tampa Bay, and the Rangers all loading up in the Eastern Conference, it makes sense for Yzerman to field offers, having seen some of the over-the-top returns that have taken place leading up to Friday’s 3 pm Est. trade deadline.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period is reporting that contract talks between the Red Wings and Bertuzzi have dried up. That said, with the gritty winger set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, it only makes sense for the Red Wings, who’ve dropped two games in a row, to explore all their options. The Detroit Red Wings have fallen three points out of the final wild-card spot and could be sixth in the race before the week is through need to consider cashing in on their pending free-agent winger rather than risk losing him for nothing this summer.
Most recently, the Tampa Bay Lightning traded for power forward Tanner Jeannot from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Cal Foote and five draft picks; a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth.
Boston recently added Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway from Washington for a haul. The Maple Leafs have dealt for Ryan O’Reilly, Noel Acciari, Sam Lafferty, and defenceman Jake McCabe. The New Jersey Devils added star winger Timo Meier. A couple of weeks ago, the New York Rangers landed Vladimir Tarasenko, and reports suggest they are expected to trade for Patrick Kane shortly. With the Eastern Conference becoming a juggernaut and the Detroit Red Wings not true Stanley Cup contenders, it makes sense to continue adding assets and replenishing the prospect pool until Yzerman deems it the proper time to become ultra-aggressive, whether that is this summer in free agency or by this time next season.
Detroit Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi is back on the trade block.
Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that Detroit is seeking a first-round pick plus for Bertuzzi’s services, and with the market, we’ve seen over the past week, that seems very rational and attainable.
A refresher for the trade market? Big week for the Red Wings. With how Boston, Toronto and Tampa Bay have loaded up, Detroit is again listening to interest in Bertuzzi. Ask is a 1st plus. https://t.co/vvXyYOjQEz
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 28, 2023
Bertuzzi has scored four goals and totaled 14 points in 28 games this season for the Detroit Red Wings. This follows a career year where the veteran forward scored a career-high 30 goals and 62 points over 68 games.
Bertuzzi has also been plagued by injury this season. In addition to breaking each of his hands, Bertuzzi also suffered a minor lower-body injury. After a slow start following his return to the lineup, Bertuzzi has found his game, perhaps just in time for Detroit’s sake.