Detroit Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi is one of the most notable trade targets heading into the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. Although he has dealt with injury trouble and has just five points in 17 games, teams around the league know what he is capable of when performing at his best. For example, just last season, he has 30 goals and recorded 62 points in just 68 games. With that, he of course provides a lot of physicality with his offensive production, so there should be plenty of interest in his services at the deadline.
Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, and Calgary Flames have been deemed as possible landing spots for Bertuzzi, but I also could see three other teams making a serious push for him at the deadline. Let’s go over them now.
Winnipeg Jets
After missing the playoffs last season, there was speculation that the Winnipeg Jets would make serious changes to their roster during last offseason. However, management instead elected to run with their core for another season, and it’s now proven to be the right decision. At the time of this writing, the Jets have a 32-19-1 record and should have zero trouble making the playoffs this spring because of it. Yet, although they have been very good this season, they would be wise to add another forward like Bertuzzi to their group before the deadline passes.
When looking at the Jets’ forward group, it is clear that Bertuzzi could be a strong addition to their top six. At the time of this writing, Karson Kuhlman is currently playing on the first line with Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele. Yet, I believe that adding a player like Bertuzzi to that trio would make it significantly stronger, as he offers solid production to go along with immense grit. However, he also could replace Morgan Barron on the second line and give center Pierre-Luc Dubois another talented winger to work with.
Bertuzzi’s rough start to the year means that his trade value is lower than before. As a result, the Jets would likely need to part ways with their 2024 second-round pick and a prospect like Danny Zhilkin to make this move go through. Zhilkin was selected by the Jets with the 77th overall pick of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and is viewed as having top-nine potential. In 40 games this season split between the Guelph Storm and Kitchener Rangers, he has 20 goals and 18 assists.
