Have The Bruins found a Future Playmaker?

Tyler Bertuzzi had a memorable run-in with Boston Bruins agitator Brad Marchand in December 2018 when Bertuzzi and the Detroit Red Wings visited Boston and defeated the Bruins 4-2. Both players play similar styles as each is similarly talented and commonly irritating at times. Who knew that a little more than four years later, “Bert” and “The Little Ball of Hate” would be teammates? On March 2, 2023, the Bruins acquired Bertuzzi for a protected 2024 first-round pick and a 2025 fourth-round pick. The talented left wing had two broken hands during the 2022-23 season, but when healthy is a terrific offensive player and plays a similar game to his new fellow left-wing teammate.

Bertuzzi was brought in for improved forward depth and will most likely play with Charlie Coyle and Taylor Hall in the postseason. That third line will possess Coyle’s great puck possession game, Hall’s dynamic skating and goal-scoring ability, and Bertuzzi’s vision and superior passing. This will provide Boston with three viable lines that can all score at any moment. Bertuzzi scored 30 goals with Detroit in 2021-22, Hall scored 39 in his MVP season in 2017-18, and Coyle has double-digit goals in nine different seasons.

The question will be, what happens after this season in regards to the unrestricted free agent Bertuzzi? The 28-year-old forward has four goals and 11 assists in 20 games with Boston and has shown growing chemistry with David Pastrnak in the last few games, including earning a goal and five assists in the last two games. The Sudbury, Ontario native assisted on Pastrnak’s 60th goal of the season Sunday in Philadelphia, the 300th of Pastrnak’s career.

The Bruins will have many decisions to make after this historic season. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci have to decide if they will play another year. Tomas Nosek, Nick Foligno, Connor Clifton, Dmitry Orlov, and Garnet Hathaway are all unrestricted free agents. Jeremy Swayman and Trent Frederic are restricted free agents and the salary cap should only increase by about one million dollars.

In order to re-sign Tyler Bertuzzi, the Bruins will have to find some cap room. What would it cost? How many years would the Bruins want to invest in the second-generation player? As the Bruins transition their roster, Bertuzzi might be the type of player with which to move forward. Boston is loaded at left wing with Marchand and Hall, so signing Bertuzzi to a new deal might have to include trading Hall and his $6 million salary. Hall has been good for Boston, particularly as a third-line player this season. But should the Bruins go in a different direction and pay a playmaker like Bertuzzi instead?

Winning a Stanley Cup this postseason could dictate some major changes to the roster. The lineup could look very different next season. And if it does, Tyler Bertuzzi could be a big part of that roster turnover.

Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip. – Bruins Benders Podcast

Join the Bruins Benders Podcast as they cover the HOTTEST topics in the Boston Bruins market, along with…- Elliotte Friedman's Trent Frederic Comments- Would You Invest In This Team?- Bruins Claim Oliver Wahlstrom- Decision Time For Marc McLaughlin?& Much More!Bruins Benders Premium Hoodies $55https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieBruins Benders Long Sleeve Tee $40https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Bruins Benders Tee $30https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1For more from us, visit: insidetherink.com/bruins-bendersInside The RinkGet Bent Premium HoodieWho knew that the softest hoodie you'll ever own comes with such a cool design. You won't regret buying this classic streetwear piece of apparel with a convenient pouch pocket and warm hood for chilly evenings. • 100% cotton face • 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester • Front pouch pocket • Self-fabric patch on the backhttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieInside The RinkBruins Benders Long Sleeve T-ShirtEnrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or chinos to achieve a more professional look. • 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton • Heather colorshttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Inside The RinkBruins Benders T-ShirtThis t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Side-seamed construction •https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1