The Detroit Red Wings are vying for a playoff spot, and one potential trade proposal involves them bringing back a gritty forward to strengthen their lineup.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, which allows users to create trade scenarios, one user suggested a deal that would see the Red Wings reacquire Tyler Bertuzzi from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Proposed Trade:
Red Wings Receive:
- Tyler Bertuzzi
- Alec Martinez (with $2 million salary retained)
Blackhawks Receive:
- Tyler Motte
- Justin Holl
- 2025 first-round pick
- 2026 third-round pick
This deal would be a compelling move for Detroit, as they would not only bring Bertuzzi back but also add veteran defenseman Alec Martinez. In exchange, they’d give up a first-round pick, a third-round pick, and two NHL role players.
Bertuzzi, drafted 58th overall by Detroit in 2013, played with the Red Wings from 2016 to 2023 before being traded to the Boston Bruins. Now in his first year of a four-year, $22 million contract with the Blackhawks, he has posted 17 goals and 11 assists in 55 games.
Martinez, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, would strengthen Detroit’s defense. He signed a one-year, $4 million deal with Chicago and has 4 goals and 5 assists in 28 games.
For Chicago, the trade is heavily focused on draft picks, with Motte, who can step into Bertuzzi’s role, and Holl, a veteran defenseman, completing the deal. Holl, who hasn’t been a great fit in Detroit and could be a buyout candidate, would help fill Martinez’s spot on the Blackhawks’ defense as they continue their rebuild.
