The Detroit Red Wings have traded winger Tyler Bertuzzi to the Boston Bruins, according to Elliotte Friedman. The return is yet to be announced.
Boston it is for Bertuzzi
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 2, 2023
Tyler Bertuzzi Trade Happens Ahead of Deadline
After lots of speculation, the Tyler Bertuzzi trade has finally happened. Drafted by the Red Wings in the second round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the 27-year-old winger has played his entire NHL career for Detroit. Last season Bertuzzi scored 30 goals in 68 games played and reached the twenty-goal mark in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. Signed in July of 2021, Bertuzzi is in the final year of his two-year $9.5 million contract and carries a cap hit of $4.75 million. There have been talks all season about whether or not they would move on from Bertuzzi.
The Trade’s Impact
The Detroit Red Wings’ decision to move on from Tyler Bertuzzi is one that is focused on moving forward with their young core of players such as Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. As a guy who plays with a chip on his shoulder, Detroit will miss Bertuzzi’s relentless energy and goal-scoring ability. But as a pending unrestricted free agent and likely rental, this was a wise, forward-looking move for the Red Wings.
Meanwhile, Bertuzzi has all the pieces to click as a very solid top-nine goal-scoring option with some grit. He almost never takes a shift off and works hard in the corners. While not the biggest guy, Bertuzzi is also not one to shy away from a fight. As the playoffs roll around, goal-scoring and grit are almost essential for any team looking to go far. Unfortunately, Bertuzzi has had some tough luck with injuries this season. He has missed a significant part of the season and in correlation, his production has suffered from it. However, based on his past performance and ability, if Bertuzzi can regain his form and stay healthy, he could be a very nice pickup.
Main photo: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
