from Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now,
At the start of the season, you could make an argument that the Red Wings could probably get a package that includes a first round pick for Bertuzzi. Now the first-round pick seems less guaranteed, although there is a certainly a romance with Bertuzzi’s blend of offense and spunk.
Bertuzzi feisty playing style seems perfect for the postseason. Plus, his $4.75 million salary is easier to move than some of the other big-name salaries. Yzerman could make Bertuzzi more attractive by eating half of the salary/cap hit. If a team can get a player they think can fit into the top six forward group for a $2.375 million cap hit, they might sweeten the offer.
Here are five teams that might be interested in Bertuzzi:
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs were rumored to be interested in Bertuzzi last season. He can give them more bite for the playoffs and might be nice fit playing with John Tavares. Bertuzzi’s hard-to-play against style should work well in a playoff series, although he has not gotten any playoff experience wearing a Detroit jersey.
If he can stay in the lineup for the next six weeks or so, and gets some kind of hand-eye back, he could bring a good haul. Otherwise, offer him a 1-year deal for ~$5mil and let him test the market if he doesn't take it.
He's my favorite player on the team, a heart and soul guy, the guy who stirs the drink; but he's been a mess out there this season. Hope he stays with the team for a friendly bridge deal while he gets it back together. Otherwise he's going to be taking a $3M deal with the Islanders in the offseason.
Here's the reality, he's a UFA at season's end, and while we can come up with 10 reasons not to ink him long term, it only takes 1 GM to do it. If some GM on a team that needs to meet the floor can lock up a 30 goal guy for 5 years at reasonable AAV considering his year and injury history, he could strike gold with a piece to help their team, and or a great trade chip in Yr 3 of that deal, and if he does not, he's met his floor.
After the trade deadline, the market and Bertuzzi control this situation much more than Yzerman does.
He stays with the wings, 1 year 5.5mil, then resigns with the Wings before the trade deadline in 2024.
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.