Overview

It has been reported by The Fourth Period that the New Jersey Devils have been linked to Tyler Bertuzzi. With the hole to be filled with a middle-six wing, general manager Tom Fitzgerlad could try to pry him out of Detroit. 

There is a new core in place for Detroit. The Red Wings boast young guns in Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider, while also having captain Dylan Larkin still in the fold. With one year remaining on his deal, Yzerman has to decide if Bertuzzi is a core piece or a valuable trade piece to bring assets back to him. The Devils have a need, and the shoe fits nicely. 

The Player

The Detroit Red Wings drafted Tyler Bertuzzi with the 28th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. The Ontario native has spent his entire career with Detroit. Over that period, he has skated in 276 games and has scored 84 goals, 104 assists, and 188 points. 

In all his games played, he has never skated in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the Red Wings furthering their rebuild, it remains to be seen when he will get that chance to do so.

The Statistics

He has eclipsed the 20-goal mark twice and the 30-goal mark once. During the 2021-22 season, he had the best year of his career. In 68 games, he managed to score 30 goals as well as tally 32 assists for 62 points. This total was second best on his team. Also, not afraid to sacrifice the body, he finished third among forwards with 41 blocked shots. He is only 27-years-old, and this could be a year to build off of as he hits the prime years of his hockey career. 

Bertuzzi beat out his expected goal totals by 3.5, scoring more than expected. Which is sometimes an indicator of above-average finishing ability. Based on the way he plays the game, it is not surprise his expected goals-for in high-danger situations is very strong.

Tyler Bertuzzi made a big impact on the game offensively for the Detroit Red Wings. As is described by his offensive, on-ice metrics over the past three seasons above. He was a large part in their offensive success and it reflected in his metrics. Defensively he could use some work, but he was productive in every aspect of offense, even with the man advantage.

Why May Bertuzzi Be Available?

With one year remaining on his contract, as mentioned above, it comes down to if Detroit sees him as a core player. Given he is currently a member of several insider’s trade lists, it is very possible Detroit does not. After the 2022-23 season, he will be an unrestricted free agent, free to sign wherever he wants. So, if you are Detroit and know he will not be a part of the core, why not maximize his value?

Why Devils Should Trade For Bertuzzi

The Devils have a need in the middle-six at the wing position. Getting a winger to play alongside Dawson Mercer on the third line would help tremendously. After missing out on Kevin Fiala, the heads have turned in many directions. A blockbuster move of Johnny Gaudreau or Filip Forsberg may not be necessary. As a trade for Tyler Bertuzzi, albeit no where near the talent level of the preceding, would not only fill a hole but also come much cheaper and give New Jersey flexibility to continue to add elsewhere.