Ahead of their Monday night matchup against the Los Angeles Kings, the Detroit Red Wings announced that Tyler Bertuzzi would miss the next four-to-six weeks with an upper-body injury.
Bertuzzi left early in the second period Saturday night in New Jersey after blocking a point shot that appeared to hit him in the hand. Bertuzzi has an assist and a plus-one rating through a game and a half this season.
Bertuzzi enjoyed a breakout season in 2021-22, as he was one of Detroit’s best forwards, scoring 30 goals and 32 assists in 68 games played. He was able to drive offense on his own line with Pius Suter and Robby Fabbri, giving Detroit a second scoring line last season. Entering a contract year, Bertuzzi was hoping to build off last season’s success and parlay that into a long-term deal. The Red Wings struggled last season when Bertuzzi was out of the lineup. Still, with added top-six depth with David Perron and Dominik Kubalik this offseason, Detroit is better positioned to replace his minutes.
In line rushes ahead of tonight’s game, Dominik Kubalik slotted in alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond on the top line. Kubalik played the back half of Saturday’s game in Bertuzzi’s spot and even found the back of the net for his first goal as a Red Wings, off a give-and-go play with Lucas Raymond. Filip Zadina will also draw in as Jakub Vrana is also out of tonight’s lineup due to personal reasons. This will mark Zadina’s season debut, which could prove to be just the opportunity the 22-year-old needs.
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