The Detroit Red Wings are in the hunt for a playoff spot, and one trade proposal involves them bringing back a gritty forward to enhance their lineup.
Using the PuckGm tool from PuckPedia, a user suggested that the Red Wings could reacquire Tyler Bertuzzi from the Chicago Blackhawks in a trade scenario.
As per the suggested deal, the Red Wings would receive:
- Tyler Bertuzzi
- Alec Martinez (with a $ 2 million cap hit retained)
In exchange, the Blackhawks would get:
- Tyler Motte
- Justin Holl
- A first-round pick in 2025
- A third-round pick in 2026
This proposed trade presents an interesting opportunity for Detroit to bring back Bertuzzi while also adding veteran defenseman Martinez. In return, they would part with a first and a third-round pick, as well as two depth NHL players.
Bertuzzi was drafted 58th overall by Detroit in the 2013 NHL draft and played for the Red Wings from 2016 until 2023 before being traded to the Boston Bruins. Currently, he’s in the first year of a four-year, $ 22 million deal with the Blackhawks, having notched 17 goals and 11 assists for a total of 28 points in 55 games.
Acquiring Martinez, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, would strengthen the Red Wings’ defense. He recently signed a one-year, $ 4 million deal with the Blackhawks and has tallied 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points in 28 games.
A significant part of the return for Chicago would be the draft picks. The Blackhawks would also take on Motte, who is poised to replace Bertuzzi. Motte is currently on a one-year contract worth $ 800,000 with the Red Wings.
Holl, a veteran defenseman who hasn’t found his footing with Detroit and is seen as a potential buyout candidate, would step in for Martinez on the blue line, filling minutes for a rebuilding Chicago squad.
Red Wings Coach Aiming for Playoff Success
Right now, Detroit is clinging to a playoff position and may look to make moves as the March 7 trade deadline approaches.
Although the Red Wings started the season poorly, things improved after the firing of coach Derek Lalonde, who was replaced by Todd McLellan. Still, McLellan has questions about his team.
“Who are we? That will be addressed over the next 27 games,” McLellan commented. “Are we the team from October to December, or the one from December to February? We need to figure it out. Part of that involves our belief system and developing an identity to play towards.”
Detroit currently holds a record of 28-22-5, securing the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Bertuzzi’s Progress in Chicago
Bertuzzi joined the Blackhawks via free agency to inject talent into their roster. Although the Blackhawks have had a slow start to the season, Bertuzzi has excel while playing alongside Connor Bedard, stating that their chemistry is developing nicely.
“I’m starting to feel better, just coming into games more prepared,” Bertuzzi noted. “The chemistry between me and Connor is growing. The key for us, as we’ve discussed, is to improve our defensive play. We’ve done that in recent games, and we need to keep it up.”
The Blackhawks’ current record stands at 17-31-7.
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