One of the Detroit Red Wings hottest commodities nearing the March 3rd trade deadline is Forward Tyler Bertuzzi. Despite missing 31 games this year due to injuries, Tyler has steadily gained interest from many clubs around the NHL including the Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Edmonton Oilers. However, is Tyler Bertuzzi worth holding onto for the future?
The @DetroitRedWings are hoping that forward Tyler Bertuzzi will pick up the momentum of having scored last game, as he's one of the key portions of their offense. #LGRW I @ThinkFordFirst pic.twitter.com/qfj3mFh78W
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) February 9, 2023
Bertuzzi in the 21 games he’s played so far has only produced 8 points (2G,6A) with a – 6. But what’s not seen on the stat sheet is the endless drive and effort he puts forth nightly. As of late, Tyler has really come into his own working out the kinks that come along with missing so much time. In contrast we’ve seen Captain Dylan Larkin thriving since the two have been reunited on the top line.
In the 21 games the duo have shared the ice together, Larkin has tallied 28 points (10G,18A. +6). While Bertuzzi is not the whole reason behind Larkin’s overall success, meanwhile recent success. The chemistry and comfortability while playing alongside each other has certainly played a huge factor.
Is Tyler Bertuzzi Worth Resigning?
Before the 2021 season Steve Yzerman signed Bertuzzi to a 2 year- $9,500,000 contract extension, including $9,500,000 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $4,750,000. Over a span of seven seasons, Bertuzzi has played 296 games at the NHL totaling to 196 points thus far. Last season being his best year to date, scoring 30 goals and notching 32 assists in 68 games. While we know Tyler has expressed that he would like to stay in Detroit, it’s ultimately up to Steve Yzerman to decide his fate.
Yzerman is left with yet another tough decision. Do you move on from Bertuzzi or do you keep a key piece to the core that has shown many positives over their time together. It’s hard to put a price tag on a player that’s battled through injuries constantly. If Detroit were to keep Bertuzzi, Steve Yzerman would have to ask himself: What does the price tag look like for him and is he worth keeping apart of the Red Wings’ future?
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