by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Detroit Red Wings trade Tyler Bertuzzi to the Boston Bruins in exchange for multiple NHL draft picks.
Boston confirmed the deal before Friday’s trade deadline:
Boston Bruins @NHLBruins
Bertuzzi is a Bruin.
TSN Darren Dreger mentioned the agreement first.
Thanks to injuries, Bertuzzi’s production has dipped after enjoying a career year in 2021-22. With 29 appearances he has four goals and 10 assists.
Still, the Red Wings’ trade back speaks to the 28-year-old’s overall value. Now that he’s healthy and on a much better team, he’s sure to look like the player who had 62 points (30 goals, 32 assists) in 68 games with Detroit last year.
dom 🕰️ @domluszczyszyn
The Bruins get even better with Tyler Bertuzzi, a top-six forward who has been in a bit of a lousy scoring year this year. pic.twitter.com/oTtwYtBT6m
The Bruins have the NHL’s best record (47-8-5) and their 99 points are 13 more than the next closest team. They are the betting favorites (+475). DraftKings Sportsbook to lift the Stanley Cup.
Dreger noted, however, the need for Boston to bolster its forward line before the trade deadline.
Darren Dreger @Darren Dreger
Injuries contributed to that. Taylor Hall seeks a second opinion on his lower body issue. The follow-up evaluation will determine how long he will be out of the Bruins’ lineup. https://t.co/NaM6QliIxi
Especially without sending a player to the Red Wings in a trade, the Bruins could put Taylor Hall or Nick Foligno on long-term injured reserve. Both players fight lower body injuriesand it is uncertain when one will return to the ice.
A first-round pick, even a protected one, is a somewhat steep price to pay for a player eligible to hit unlimited free agency in the offseason.
Bertuzzi doesn’t project to be one of the top stars available, but he should get a solid multi-year offer on the open market. If he helps the Bruins win a title, then it won’t matter how much he costs and whether he re-signs.
But Boston is clearly backing him to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.
For all the latest betting information and reactions, take a look B/R Bet.
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