Abel to Yzerman

Abel to Yzerman

Bring Bertuzzi Back And Mantha Too

05/09/2023 at 1:31pm EDT

Ansar Khan of Mlive answers some mail, the first one in regards to Bertuzzi signing with the Wings...

It’s possible, but unlikely. Red Wings management is sure to discuss it this week when the front office meets to go over all free agents and trade possibilities.

The Red Wings and Bertuzzi were never close to a contract extension. The team was looking to sign him for four years and he wanted a longer term. Chances are, he’ll be seeking the maximum seven-year term (for other teams’ free agents) and his price surely has gone up after his playoff performance, especially in a thin free-agent market.

Bertuzzi would provide offense and grit, elements the Red Wings realize they need.

But the Red Wings likely would balk at signing Bertuzzi for such a long term knowing they might not get much out of him the final few seasons. He plays a rugged style that has contributed to a lot of wear and tear and injuries.

This one is a head scratcher....

Q:Stevie said he needs more toughness on this team. We need to get Bertuzzi back in this respect. But there is another former Red Wing we should bring back in this cause – Anthony Mantha. (He) can score and fight at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds.

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Steeb

Bert proved he can perform in the playoffs, even on a stacked team that ended up losing the series. He'll get more than Stevie wants to pay him in the open market.

Mantha might be worth a one-year, league min, two-way show me contract. If he wants to show up this time, that'd be cool.

Paul

from Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now,

General manager Steve Yzerman signed potential free agent defenseman Jake Walman and Olli Maatta in the latter stages of the season. There was no such deal for Oesterle. That doesnt mean the Red Wings were disappointed in Oesterles play. What it means is that the Red Wings are looking to upgrade their defensive group and need roster spots for younger players who are close to being fully ready.

When the Red Wings signed Oesterle two years ago, they believed they were securing a serviceable player. The Michigan native has been that player. Hes not a difference-maker, but is a hard-working competitor who keeps himself ready to play. Coaches like him because he has a responsible approach and plays a responsible game.

The bottom line on Oesterle is that the Red Wings appreciate his contributions, but its time for them to add a better player.

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VPalmer

The person asking to bring Mantha back has not been following the team closely. Khan answers on both Bert and Mantha are right on the money.

TreKronor

Anyone who says mantha can fight does not deserve to be featured in fan mail.

Yes, I absolutely want to see bert back, but it just isn't going to work out. 

MZ2215TreKronor

Yeah it's a really dumb question but Khan knows it's the clicks that count, not the content. 

Chet

Exactly, neither is going to or probably should even happen. They need to turn a page. The last retreads I remember making any sense are like Dallas Drake and D-Mac, in a league that is now unrecognizable from those days. 15 years ago, last Cup. 

rwbill

When Mantha tried to fight he broke a bone in his hand when punching the helmet.  More than once.

SYF

TyBert.  Most likely, "Yes, I would have him back, but we need to give Kaspar and Mazur time on an NHL ice."

Mantha.  BWAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!  Hoo hoo.  Sheesh.  No thanks.  Not ever.

nctheo

I wouldn't bet against SY signing Bert. I dunno, just get a feeling...

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