UPDATE: The #RedWings have signed @tylerbertuzzi to a three-year entry-level contract. pic.twitter.com/gQbCCH9qok
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 17, 2014
This afternoon, the Detroit Red Wings announced that they have offered 2013 2nd round pick forward Tyler Bertuzzi a three-year entry level contract. Tyler has made incredible strides over the past year and a half, overcoming a serious neck and spinal injury that held him out from the majority of last year’s OHL season. Tyler put up 51 points in 47 games during the regular season and playoffs last year, and looks to be a driving force for the Guelph Storm this season, as he dons the “A” for his team.
Per Wings Press Release:
The Detroit Red Wings today signed winger Tyler Bertuzzi to a three-year contract. In accordance with club policy, additional details will not be disclosed.
Bertuzzi, 19, is in his fourth season with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League and has tallied five points (1-4-5) in six games to start the 2014-15 campaign. Named an alternate captain on Guelph this season, the winger helped the Storm capture the OHL Championship last season and advance to the Memorial Cup championship game. The 6-foot-1, 190-lb., forward led the Memorial Cup with five goals in four games. In all, Bertuzzi has recorded 78 points (29-49-78) and 247 penalty minutes in 139 games with Guelph over the last four seasons (2011-14). The Sudbury, Ontario native was drafted in the second round (58th overall) by the Red Wings in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Tyler was definitely one of those picks where I was a bit troubled at first. It seemed like it was taken just because he is the nephew of former Red Wing, Todd Bertuzzi… He was not slated as a second round pick by any means, but as time passed and he matured as a player and a person, he has shown what kind of player he can be.
The way he plays reminds me of Brad Marchand, but not nearly as shit-heel like Marchand acts. He’s one of the pesky grinding wingers that can piss the other team off, draw penalties, and put some points up.
If you have the chance to watch him in the OHL, I highly suggest it. He’ll be coming to the Detroit and Saginaw area a few times this year to play the Whalers and the Spirit. He’s a very gifted player with a big heart. This signing is well deserved, and I had a feeling it would be coming sooner, rather than later. Congrats, Tyler.
