LAS VEGAS — For the third time this season, the Detroit Red Wings are waiting to hear word on forward Tyler Bertuzzi.
He missed the third period of Thursday’s 3-2 victory at the Vegas Golden Knights with what the team said was a lower-body injury. There was no further update immediately following the game. The Wings stayed overnight in Las Vegas, with a scheduled flight home Friday. They next play Saturday at Little Caesars Arena, hosting the Philadelphia Flyers. That’s one of four games remaining for the Wings before the All-Star break, with the skills competition and the 3-on-3 tourney set for Feb. 3-4.
There was no big hit or notable incident prior to Bertuzzi being pulled after two periods.
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Bertuzzi has one goal and four assists in 14 games. He missed four weeks in October and November after breaking a hand when he was hit by a puck in the second game of the season. He played seven games, then was hit again by a puck in the other hand Nov. 30, sidelining him until Jan. 10.
Bertuzzi has been expected to play an important role for the Wings, bringing goals and grit to the lineup. They were counting on him for around 30 goals this season, but he has spent most of it injured. It complicates contract negotiations, too, as Bertuzzi is in the last year of his contract and eligible for unrestricted free agency. The Wings are interested in re-signing him, but his absences have clouded his value, and general manager Steve Yzerman may opt to trade Bertuzzi before the March 3 trade deadline, if a reasonable offer materializes.
Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.
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