from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

Tyler Bertuzzi wasn't in the Red Wings' lineup for Monday's exhibition game against the Chicago Blackhawks, and it's unclear whether he'll play in any of the three remaining exhibition games.

Returning from back surgery, which essentially cost him all of last season, it would be good to have Bertuzzi play a warm-up game or two.

But the bigger picture is making sure Bertuzzi is fully heathy and ready to play the regular season opener Oct. 14 against Tampa Bay.

"You'd love to do that; you'd love to have him play a few games," coach Jeff Blashill said. "But he's in a spot where we're progressing him and we'll see. I'm not going to put a timeline on it, and I'm not going to say that it's something that is a must.

"He has to be ready for Game 1 against Tampa and there are a lot of different ways you can be ready. Some of it is playing in the exhibition season, but we'll see how it progresses."

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