Detroit Red Wings Prospects to Watch: Tyler Bertuzzi
Continuing to look to the future that is Detroit Red Wings prospects, you come across a familiar last name; Bertuzzi, Not Todd, but Tyler. Tyler Bertuzzi is the Nephew of former Red Wing Todd Bertuzzi. The young Bertuzzi has been making his mark in the AHL for the Grand Rapids Griffins as they make their way through the 2015 Calder Cup Playoffs.
Bertuzzi is new to the Griffins. The young 20-year-old was a 2013 second round draft by the Red Wings. He has spent the last four seasons playing for the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League.
There he made a name for himself in the OHL. In the 2013-14 season Bertuzzi had his one of his best seasons. He netted 35 points with 10 goals and 25 assists in 29 games. In the Playoffs he had a total of 17 points on 10 goals and 7 assist, helping his Storm team win the OHL Championship.
The next year Bertuzzi lit it up the following season. He led the team in points with 98, assist at 55 and was tied for the lead in goals with teammate Pius Suter with 43. He was also a plus 26 in the regular season.
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In the playoffs he continued to shined with 8 points in 9 games. Yet his Storm team saw an earlier than planned exit from the OHL playoffs after being swept by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in conference semi-finals.
That was when Bertuzzi got the call up to the Griffins. Since he has been up, just like he made a name for himself in the OHL, he is doing so in the AHL.
In 8 games this AHL playoffs Bertuzzi has scored 6 goals along with 3 assists, he is a plus 6 player and is helping the Griffins in the same way he helped his Storm team out. He may only be 192 pounds, but this kid brings an edgy, rough play to the Griffins which they have needed.
Bertuzzi like his uncle has gotten into his share of fights while playing in the OHL. Many don’t see him as a big guy but he can throw the punches when need be.
In a way he is kind of like a Andrew Shaw player. That guy that seems to be everywhere on the ice and then gets you out of no where. He has the potential to be able to give your team the edgy play they may need, but also be able to score or help his teammates out by getting to the front of the net and having one deflect off of him. He is willing to do whatever is needed to help the team win.
Bertuzzi has said that the transition from juniors was going to be a little difficult but the change is easier thanks to his line mates and scoring in his first game with the Griffins.
"“Getting called up from juniors I knew it was going to be a big transition, but I was able to score that first game, get some confidence and playing with a top line here has made it a lot easier for me.”"
If you haven’t been out to see the Grand Rapids Griffins play you are missing out. Along with other players like Teemu Pulkkinen Bertuzzi and the Griffins are making a great case for themselves to be Calder Cup Champions for the second time in three seasons.
Do you think Bertuzzi has a shot of making the big club next season? Is he going to do his time in the Griffins system? What do you think of Bertuzzi? Let us know below and don’t forget to stay connected to Detroit Jock City for all your Detroit Red Wings news and notes as the off-season continues.
Next: Check out Detroit Red Wings prospect Dylan Larkin