Detroit Red Wings won’t say if Tyler Bertuzzi actually suspended for games in Canada

Detroit Free Press

While the Detroit Red Wings traveled to Canada, Tyler Bertuzzi stayed in Detroit and skated on his own.

The Wings did not practice on Friday before traveling to Montreal, where they began their first road trip of the season on Saturday. Bertuzzi could not be with the team because he has refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and under current border regulations cannot travel to Canada. 

The NHL and Players Association agreed not to have a vaccine mandate, but teams can suspend without pay players who are cannot participate in club activities because they are not vaccinated. Coach Jeff Blashill said the Wings “would keep it internally” whether Bertuzzi has been suspended.

OH, CANADA: Why the Wings are desperate for urgency in first trip to Canada in 20 months

Blashill did answer what Bertuzzi is doing while he cannot practice with his teammates. They had a morning skate Saturday at Bell Centre.

“He skated (Friday) and he chose to skate today on his own,” Blashill said. “That’s up to him.”

PASS ON THE SHOT: Tyler Bertuzzi refuses COVID-19 vaccine, taking Canada games off table

Commissioner Gary Bettman said before the season began there are only four players who have chosen not to get the vaccine.

Bertuzzi is a top-line player, power play guy, and has a team-leading four goals after four games.

“Certainly Tyler is a big part of our team, he’s a big part of who we are,” Blashill said. “He’s a real good player. The extent to which we miss Tyler depends on the guys who fill the responsibilities play. We’ll be excited to get Tyler back.”

LUCKY NO. 4: Remember when Red Wings fell to in the draft? Lucas Raymond looks like terrific consolation

The plan is for Bertuzzi to take a car service and meet the Wings in Chicago for Sunday’s 7 p.m. game. The Wings leave for Canada again at the end of the week, for an Oct. 30 game at Toronto and Nov. 2 in Montreal.

Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Read more on the Detroit Red Wings and sign up for our Red Wings newsletter. Her book, The Big 50: The Detroit Red Wings is available from AmazonBarnes & Noble and Triumph Books. Personalized copies available via her e-mail. 

Articles You May Like

Projected Lineups for the Avalanche vs Red Wings – 12/7/24
Projected Lineups for the Red Wings vs Sabres – 12/9/24
Red Wings Need Patrick Kane to Step Up
SSOTD: Flyers vs. Red Wings, 12/12/2024
Red Wings End Skid in 6-5 Shootout Win Over the Sabres

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *