Tyler Bertuzzi is getting his first crack at the NHL this year, as the Detroit Red Wings have recalled the young forward from the AHL. Bertuzzi played seven games last season for the club, but is still looking for his first NHL point.
The nephew of former Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi, Tyler is an impressive prospect. Since being selected 58th-overall by Detroit in 2013, he’s shown an impressive ability in the minor leagues to play both pest and scoring threat. Coming off a Calder Cup victory with the Grand Rapids Griffins last season—in which he scored 19 points in 19 playoff games, while taking 50 PIM—he’s off to another good start after an early injury with nine points in his first 12.
Detroit came roaring back on Tuesday night against the Jets after getting pummeled by the Canadiens in a home-and-home, and now sit at 11-12-5 on the year. There is some worry in Red Wings land that the team isn’t as good as they showed early on, but Bertuzzi will certainly give them something to cheer for. He’s expected in the lineup on Saturday night in the place of an injured David Booth.
Really hope he stays, but he’s starting to look like he’s an AHL type guy.
How can you see he is looking like an AHL guy when he has only played less then 20 NHL games ever. And the reason that the wings haven’t called him up for longer has been because of injury or cap issues not his talent. Bertuzzi is 100% an NHL talent
Diller, I have to agree with you. Tyler Bertuzzi is just another victim of the salary cap & bad contracts handed out to undeserving veteran players. I have watched Bertuzzi play in many games & he does have NHL level talent. Hopefully he doesn’t get buried like so many others in Grand Rapids.
Watching his stint last year, he seemed to float around. It’s not like he’s that great of a skater either. I think if he had an NHL career, the majority of his time will be played on the fourth line, but I hope he proves me wrong.
Tyler Bertuzzi would be outstanding as a fourth line energy guy that could help a bit with scoring.
It would be a bargain for him to even play on the Wings third line. The team isn’t looking for him to be an offensive juggernaut of any kind. He definitely is not a great skater but skates well enough to compete at the NHL level.
Detroit has never expected Bertuzzi to come in & score 25 goals a year. They have always wanted him as an energy type for their bottom six.
Todd*
I hope this guy stays for a long time