NHL analyst suggests a new team could show interest in Red Wings RFA Tyler Bertuzzi

The Detroit Red Wings are headed for another offseason that will surely bring additional changes within the organization as they continue their rebuild under the tutelage of GM Steve Yzerman.

Forward Tyler Bertuzzi, who is coming off a one-year contract signed last offseason, is set to become a restricted free-agent. According to Bertuzzi, contract negotiations between Yzerman and his agent have yet to begin, as he was focused solely on the recovery process of the surgery that felled him for the majority of the 2020-21 regular season. 

Another team that's entering an offseason of change is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who lost an inexplicable seven game opening round series against their Original 6 rival Montreal Canadiens in a stunning result that's sure to bring more roster turnover. They've been linked to the gritty forward, as reports emerged that they were interested in acquiring him at the most recent NHL trade deadline. However, Bertuzzi's injury made such a move impossible. 

And now, according to one NHL analyst, don't be surprised if one particular team out west is sniffing around. 

Sirius XM NHL analyst Dave Pagnotta suggested that the Los Angeles Kings could be "poking around" Bertuzzi's services: 

"It wouldn't shock me based on some of the names out there if a name like Tyler Bertuzzi becomes available for L.A.", he said today while appearing on NHL Network. "He's a player Detroit is listening on, and L.A. has some very good young pieces that they're willing to move to bring in young caliber star talent in return. He's someone that I wouldn't be shocked to see L.A. poking around on." 

The Kings have already shown they're willing to make moves, as they sent their 2nd round draft pick in 2021, and their 3rd round pick in 2022 to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Viktor Arvidsson. Could they perhaps dangle a young defensive prospect in Helge Grans to Yzerman? 

The nephew of former NHL All-Star and Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi, the Red Wings selected Tyler 58th overall (Round 2) of the 2013 NHL Draft. During the 2019-20 NHL Season, Bertuzzi led all Red Wings scorers with 21 goals (27 assists) while putting up a career high 48 points.