Tyler Bertuzzi

Position: LW

Age: 27

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 186 lbs

Statistics: three goals, nine assists, 12 points (24 games played)

Background

Tyler Bertuzzi is 27 years old and plays left wing for the Detroit Red Wings. He played well in Detroit’s top six over the past few years but has played less than half of this season due to a myriad of injuries.

Coming into this season, many saw Bertuzzi as the Red Wings’ top trade chip if they weren’t in a good position by the trade deadline. Even with his injuries, this was still the case until recently. This has changed over the past couple of weeks, however, as the Wings have gone on a 7-3-0 run, catapulting themselves three points shy of the final wild-card spot. This may change the decision on whether or not to move Bertuzzi.

The Statistics

Bertuzzi has played 300 games across seven seasons, scoring 87 goals and 200 points in the process. This season has been a wash for the young winger, he’s only notched 13 points in 24 games played. Still, if Bertuzzi can stay healthy, he’s a great scoring option, as he proved last season when he scored 30 goals.

Analytically, Bertuzzi has been very solid over the past three seasons. His on-ice impact has him in the 71st percentile offensively and the 51st defensively. Additionally, he plays on the top power play unit, where he excels as well. Bertuzzi is the type of player who can score goals in the offensive zone and at least hold his own defensively.

Contract

Tyler Bertuzzi is in the last year of a two-year, $4.75-million contract. He will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.

According to Dom Luszczysyn of the Athletic, Bertuzzi’s market value is currently at $4,000,000. This means his salary of $4,750,000 is an “overpayment” of about $750,000, which isn’t bad at all considering he’s in the final year of his contract and that his market value is dampened by his injuries.

Where Does He Fit?

General manager Tom Fitzgerald is still looking for a goal-scoring top-six winger, and Tyler Bertuzzi could fit that mold. He hasn’t been able to get anything going so far this season, but he could easily go on a great run now that he has his injuries under control. If the Devils trade for him, he could slot in easily in the top six.

Would a Deal Make Sense?

The short answer, probably not. Although Bertuzzi showed he could be a goal-scorer last season, his risk is too high to pass on the other options out there. Fitzgerald wants a player with team control, and Bertuzzi is a UFA this summer.

Another aspect to mention is the Red Wings recently came out and said they wouldn’t move Bertuzzi. Though, there has been countless times where this type of statement did not stop a deal.

Additionally, he’s been plagued by injuries, and it would be unwise to bet on a player who you don’t know will break out of his slump to end the season. Additionally, Bertuzzi may be off the market altogether with the Red Wings surging into contention.