Red Wings acquire former 30 goal scorer from Blackhawks in intriguing trade pitch

The Chicago Blackhawks signed former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi last summer, and he had a decent 1st year in a Blackhawks sweater, playing in all 82 games and having 46 points (23G, 23A).

But are the Blackhawks already thinking of cutting ties with Bertuzzi even though he has 3 years left on his contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $5.5 million?

Per Heavy on Sports, the Blackhawks could trade Bertuzzi back to the former divisional foe Detroit Red Wings and receive one of their prospects along with draft picks in return.

The move would give the Red Wings some more of the grit they were used to seeing Bertuzzi provide during his time with the team, while the Blackhawks would get one of their prospects in Lombardi who is expected to eventually make an impact in the NHL, as well as a pair of draft picks.

Bertuzzi started his career with the Red Wings when he was taken with the 58th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and even won the Calder Cup with their AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

He played several years for the Red Wings organization but was traded to the Boston Bruins in a contract year at the 2023 Trade Deadline. After their stunning 7-game loss to the Florida Panthers in the ECQF, Bertuzzi signed a 1 year deal with another Original 6 team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He has 307 points (136G, 171A) in 488 games with the Red Wings, Bruins, Maple Leafs, and Blackhawks.