The Detroit Red Wings are off to a fast start this season but will be without one of their key forwards for the next month. Tyler Bertuzzi has been ruled out for four to six weeks with an upper-body injury suffered over the weekend. Bertuzzi was removed from the game on Saturday after just eight minutes and did not return. The team will also be without Jakub Vrana tonight who is away for personal reasons.
Somewhat quietly, Bertuzzi had the best season of his career in 2021-22, scoring 30 goals and 62 points in 68 games. While the Red Wings finished well out of the playoffs, he was one of the players who showed real promise, after missing almost the entire previous year due to injury. Now, approaching unrestricted free agency next summer, it was a big year for Bertuzzi, who could set himself up for a massive extension with the Red Wings or an even bigger deal on the open market.
A six-week absence certainly isn’t going to help his case, though there aren’t many players on the Red Wings roster who can replace his mix of skill and grit. In the meantime, Dominik Kubalik is getting the first crack at the first line, with Filip Zadina jumping into the second group beside Andrew Copp and David Perron. It is quite an opportunity for Kubalik, who was cut loose by the Chicago Blackhawks and signed a two-year, $5MM contract with the Red Wings. He has averaged just 12 minutes of ice time through the first two games but did score on Saturday and has shown an ability to skate with good players in the past.
As a rookie, Kubalik scored 30 goals playing mostly with Jonathan Toews. If he can find that same kind of chemistry with Dylan Larkin, perhaps he can rediscover that scoring touch on a more regular basis.
Would like to see Jonatan Berggan given the opportunity to show what he can do in Bertuzzi’s absence
Zadina NEEDS to prove himself BIG TIME. He will have the time now to do so. Otherwise, could be a busted pick.
Kubalik has a great chance to show his scoring ability. Wings might be moving someone out after Bert gets back
Zadina looked lost last night but skated hard. He needs minutes & time to adjust to his line mates.
Vrana out now for personal reasons. He had low minutes in the 1st 2 games, this may explain why.
Vrana filling Bertuzzi’s spot on that 1st line will spell the end of Tyler’s time in Detroit. Expect fireworks.
I’m sure that’s the place where Elmer Soderblom will play soon!
If only he had been vaccinated
Everyone knows a second booster will prevent breaking a wrist.