MLive’s Ansar Khan filed a subscriber-only mailbag article regarding Tyler Bertuzzi’s contract status, Robby Fabbri’s spot in the lineup (or the lack thereof) and the readiness of the Red Wings’ prospects for NHL action.
Here’s what Khan has to say about Bertuzzi’s contract:
Bertuzzi’s contract situation is more complicated [than Dylan Larkin’s] because of his inability to play in Canada for opting not to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
Ideally, the Red Wings would like to sign him long-term and have him continue to be an integral part of the rebuild. He brings a different dimension with his combination of skill and grit, and he’s coming off his most productive season (30 goals, 62 points in 68 games).
Bertuzzi’s current cap hit is $4.75 million, and his new deal likely would be for more than $6 million per season, maybe closer to $7 million.
If the sides don’t reach an agreement by the trade deadline, Yzerman surely will move Bertuzzi to a playoff contender. They wouldn’t get equal value for him, as a rental unable to play in Canada, but they won’t let him walk for nothing as an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Teams have been inquiring about Bertuzzi for a few years, but probably aren’t willing to relinquish fair value if that can be accurately determined due to his travel restriction.
Even if Bertuzzi does sign a long-term extension, it won’t necessarily preclude him from being moved. The Red Wings inked Anthony Mantha to a four-year, $21.8 million pact early in the 2020-21 season and dealt him five months later.
Continued (paywall);
We come back to the vaccination issue. Actions have consequences, for both player and team, and Khan is correct that Bertuzzi’s issue there is going to handicap the Red Wings’ ability to get anywhere close to “market value” for him, should the team have to trade him.
As Canada’s border rules are unlikely to change, that’s how it’s going to be. I don’t see Bertuzzi as tremendously likely to be moved, period, due to his status, but I believe that the trade rumors will swirl around both #59 and #71 until and/or if and when they’re signed.
