Steve Yzerman looking at trading one of his top players
Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings have had one of the busiest off-seasons. With the Red Wings looking to transition from rebuilding team, to playoff contender, Yzerman has been busy trying to add some missing pieces. Yzerman was able to add both David Perron and Ben Chiarot on free agent day to add some much needed toughness and leadership.
Just because Yzerman has already significantly made over the roster doesn't mean he's done. As the playoffs near Yzerman will look to balance being competitive while also managing expiring contracts. One of those contracts will be that of Tyler Bertuzzi.
Bertuzzi is in the final year of a 2-year deal that paid him $4,750,000 per season. If Bertuzzi doesn't fit into the Red Wings long-term plans it's likely he'll be moved out of Detroit.
Moving out Bertuzzi appears like the most likely scenario. According to Pittsburgh Penguin's Hockey Insider, Dan Kingerski, the Penguins are interested in acquiring the 27-year-old. It is reported that the two teams have already had preliminary talks.
Last season in Detroit, Bertuzzi scored 30 goals and 62 points in only 68 games. On a contending team it's not hard to believe that Bertuzzi could increase those numbers even further. As the deadline nears more teams are likely to show interest in the gritty forward.
| POLL | ||
When will the Detroit Red Wings make the playoffs? | ||
| This year | 163 | 34.3 % |
| Next year | 168 | 35.4 % |
| 2024-2025 | 87 | 18.3 % |
| Later than 2025 | 57 | 12 % |
| List of polls | ||
