The Detroit Red Wings currently have a 21-19-8 record and trail the Pittsburgh Penguins by seven points for the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. If they do not climb up in the standings before the trade deadline, they will very likely be sellers. Pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) Tyler Bertuzzi would be one of their biggest trade candidates in this scenario. Although the feisty winger is having a down year due to injury trouble (one goal and five points in 17 games), he also had 30 goals and 62 points in 68 games just last season, so the Red Wings could still get a decent return for him if they shop him.

If the Red Wings are unable to sign Bertuzzi to an extension before March 3, don’t be surprised to see him moved. He is already starting to get attention in the trade market, as The Fourth Period has reported that three teams are currently linked to him. Let’s go over them now.

 

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs sport a very deep roster in 2022-23, and there’s a legitimate chance that they will win their first Stanley Cup since 1967 because of it. Yet, when noting that they could use another high-impact forward, it makes sense that they are considering the prospect of bringing in Bertuzzi. After all, he would not only provide them with quality offense but also an abundance of physicality along with it. Therefore, he could be the perfect trade target for the Maple Leafs to add as they gear up for the postseason.

NHL
Dylan Larkin reportedly declined eight-year, $8M extension from Red Wings

It is also apparent that the Maple Leafs could use a bit of a boost at the left wing position. When looking at a potential fit for Bertuzzi in Toronto’s lineup, he could replace Calle Jarnkrok on the second line and form a fantastic trio with John Tavares and William Nylander. However, he also could be a potential match on their third line, as he would provide Toronto with more secondary scoring in their bottom six if utilized there. Either way, he would make the Maple Leafs look noticeably deeper on paper if he is acquired.

With Bertuzzi having a down year, it is highly unlikely that the Red Wings would be able to score a first-round pick for him even with retaining half of his salary. Yet, the Maple Leafs’ 2024 second-round pick and a young forward like Pontus Holmberg could certainly get this move to go through. Holmberg has had a decent start to his NHL career this campaign, as he has five goals and 12 points in 31 games. As a result, it could be smart for the Red Wings to take a chance on the promising prospect.