The Detroit Red Wings are in the hunt for a playoff spot, and one trade proposal suggests they bring back a tough forward to strengthen their roster.
The PuckGM tool on PuckPedia allows users to create their own trade scenarios. One proposed trade would see the Red Wings reacquire Tyler Bertuzzi from the Chicago Blackhawks.
Red Wings receive:
- Tyler Bertuzzi
- Alec Martinez ($2 million retained)
Blackhawks receive:
- Tyler Motte
- Justin Holl
- 2025 first-round pick
- 2026 third-round pick
This potential deal is intriguing, as Detroit would bring back Bertuzzi while also adding experienced defenseman Martinez. In return, the Red Wings would give up a first and third-round pick, plus two depth NHL players.
Bertuzzi, drafted 58th overall by Detroit in the 2013 NHL Draft, played for the Red Wings from 2016 until 2023, when he was traded to the Boston Bruins. He is now in the first year of a four-year, $22 million contract with the Blackhawks. This season, Bertuzzi has scored 17 goals and recorded 11 assists for 28 points in 55 games.
Martinez, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, would also bolster Detroit’s blue line. He signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Blackhawks and has contributed 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points in 28 games.
The major part of the return for the Blackhawks would be the draft picks. Chicago would also gain Motte, who could step in to replace Bertuzzi. Motte is currently on a one-year, $800,000 deal with the Red Wings.
Holl, a veteran defenseman, hasn’t found his footing with Detroit and is considered a potential buyout candidate. However, he would provide depth for the Blackhawks’ blue line as they continue their rebuild.
Red Wings Coach Eager for Playoff Push Detroit is holding onto a playoff spot and could be active before the March 7 trade deadline.
The Red Wings had a rough start to the season, but after firing coach Derek Lalonde and hiring Todd McLellan, Detroit’s performance has improved. Still, McLellan has some questions about the team.
“Who are we? That’s going to get answered in the next 27 games,” McLellan said. “Are we October to December or are we December to February? Who are we? It’s not going to be easy or perfect. Are we a playoff team? Are we close to a playoff team, or are we a distant [playoff team]? We have to figure all this out. Part of that is the belief system we talked about, trying to develop an identity and playing toward it.”
Detroit is currently 28-22-5 and holds the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Bertuzzi’s Chemistry with Bedard in Chicago Bertuzzi signed with Chicago to add more talent to their roster.
While the Blackhawks have struggled this season, Bertuzzi has been playing well alongside Connor Bedard, and he feels their chemistry is developing nicely.
“I’m starting to feel better, just coming into games and being better prepared,” Bertuzzi said. “Our chemistry, me and Connor, just keeps kind of growing as we go. The biggest thing for us, and we talk about it, is being better defensively. The last few games we have, and we need to continue to do that.”
