Duffer’s Dabbles: New Trade Rumors Have Bertuzzi Heading West

Late last week, trade winds were blowing involving Detroit Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi. Those gusts were flowing in the direction of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Since then, the winds are changing direction. Now speculation in the trade rumor market are seeing Bertuzzi going to the left coast.

Appearing on the NHL Network, SiriusXM NHL Network radio host David Pagnotta discussed the possibility of Bertuzzi ending up with the Los Angeles Kings. They’ve already added Victor Arvidsson from the Nashville Predators. Nonetheless, the Kings are still in the market to acquire another top-six forward. GM Rob Blake may have his sights set on Bertuzzi.

LA makes sense as a trade partner for Detroit. The Kings are overwhelming with the kind of young prospect pieces the Detroit GM Steve Yzerman might find intriguing. Bertuzzi is 26. He’s a solid NHL player but he’s probably as good as he’s going to be right now. By the time the Wings are a competitive club, Bertuzzi will likely be pushing 30.

While the Wings aren’t actively shopping Bertuzzi, they are willing to listen to offers. There are very few untouchables on the Detroit roster.

Fleury To Chicago?

Vegas: As part of trading Duncan Keith trade, the report dropped that the Chicago Blackhawks are now “in play” on the NHL trade front for Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. 

Boston: The Bruins had a firm free-agent target – Boston will “go hard after Barclay Goodrow.”

Detroit: With plenty of available cap space, it looks like Detroit is waiting in the wings for Toronto Maple Leafs UFA Zach Hyman. 

Pittsburgh: From a Marc-Andre Fleury-Penguins trade to Jason Zucker going to Seattle. Examination of the probability of eight Penguins offseason moves. 

Washington: Nick Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin are tight. It’s a bond that’s fueled a lot of Capitals success and changed that franchise. 

NYI: The Islanders need a much more consistent Anthony Beauvillier to get over that Stanley Cup hump.

San Jose: How close were the San Jose Sharks to drafting Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Scott Niedermayer instead of their famous pick of Pat Falloon?