Canadian Stanley Cup contender emerging as potential favourite to trade for Tyler Bertuzzi
First and foremost, the Detroit Red Wings and General Manager, Steve Yzerman have every intention of trying to extend Tyler Bertuzzi. Bertuzzi has been an important part of the Red Wings during their rebuild. He's always played the game the right way and done everything in his power to keep the flies off the Red Wings young players.
Unfortunately though for Bertuzzi, an inability to remain healthy has dramatically impacted his ability to stay on the ice and contribute to the team. Over the last 3 seasons Bertuzzi has only played in 86 games, including 9 this year. On December 2nd, it was announced that Bertuzzi will miss 6 weeks after undergoing surgery on his left hand.
Bertuzzi is currently in the final year of a two-year deal with an annual cap hit of $4,750,000 per season. Last season Bertuzzi scored 30 goals and added 32 assists in 68 games, but finding a balance between Bertuzzi's long-term health and contributions could be a challenge for the Wings. Especially with the number of young players on their roster requiring new contracts in the next few years.
If they can't, Khan believes Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman will trade Bertuzzi rather than risk losing him for nothing to next summer's UFA market. He suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs were long rumored to be interested in Bertuzzi and remain the logical destination.
According Ansar Khan, the favourites to land Bertuzzi if he were dealt would immediately be the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs have been connected to Bertuzzi for almost 3-years, but were unable to add him due to his vaccination status. With restrictions lifted in Canada, the Leafs could add Bertuzzi and not have to worry about him missing games.
Ultimately this situation will come down to the Red Wings finding a balance between how much they feel Bertuzzi is worth and any concerns they have about his long-term health.
| POLL | ||
What will happen with Tyler Bertuzzi? | ||
| He will re-sign in Detroit | 20 | 31.7 % |
| He'll be traded at the deadline | 35 | 55.6 % |
| He'll walk as a free agent | 8 | 12.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
