The Detroit Red Wings are in the thick of the playoff race, and one proposed trade scenario would see them bringing back a familiar face to strengthen their roster.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, a user suggested a trade in which the Red Wings reacquire forward Tyler Bertuzzi from the Chicago Blackhawks while also adding veteran defenseman Alec Martinez.
Proposed Trade:
Red Wings receive:
- Tyler Bertuzzi
- Alec Martinez ($2 million salary retained)
Blackhawks receive:
- Tyler Motte
- Justin Holl
- 2025 first-round pick
- 2026 third-round pick
This deal would reunite Detroit with Bertuzzi, who was originally drafted 58th overall by the Red Wings in 2013 and played for the team from 2016 until his trade to the Bruins in 2023. Now in the first year of a four-year, $22 million contract with Chicago, Bertuzzi has registered 17 goals and 11 assists (28 points) in 55 games.
Detroit would also gain Martinez, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, to reinforce its defense. Martinez, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Blackhawks, has recorded four goals and five assists in 28 games this season.
In exchange, Chicago would receive a first and third-round pick, along with depth players Motte and Holl. The move would bolster Detroit’s roster for a playoff push while giving the Blackhawks valuable assets for the future.
The key component of this proposed trade for the Blackhawks would be the draft picks, giving Chicago valuable assets for its rebuild.
In addition, the Blackhawks would receive Tyler Motte, who could step in as a replacement for Bertuzzi. Motte, currently on a one-year, $800,000 contract with Detroit, provides a solid defensive presence and penalty-killing ability.
Justin Holl, meanwhile, is a veteran defenseman who hasn’t found his footing with the Red Wings and is seen as a potential buyout candidate. However, in Chicago, he could replace Martinez on the blue line and help log minutes for a rebuilding Blackhawks squad.
Red Wings Coach Eager for Playoff Push
Detroit currently holds the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference and could be active ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.
The Red Wings had a rough start to the season, but after firing head coach Derek Lalonde and bringing in Todd McLellan, the team has shown improvement. Despite the progress, McLellan acknowledges there are still questions about his squad.
“Who are we? That’s going to get answered in the next 27 games,” McLellan said. “Are we the team from October to December, or the team from December to February? It’s not going to be easy or perfect. Are we a playoff team? Are we close to a playoff team? Are we a distant playoff team? We’ve got to figure all this out. Part of that is the belief system we talked about—trying to develop an identity and playing towards it.”
At 28-22-5, the Red Wings are in the thick of the playoff race, making the next few weeks crucial as they determine whether to buy or stand pat at the deadline.
Bertuzzi Playing Alongside Bedard in Chicago
Bertuzzi joined the Blackhawks in free agency to bring more talent to the roster, but Chicago has struggled throughout the season.
Despite the team’s difficulties, Bertuzzi has performed well, especially alongside rookie sensation Connor Bedard. The two are developing strong on-ice chemistry, which Bertuzzi acknowledged.
“I’m starting to feel better, just coming into games and being better prepared,” Bertuzzi said. “Our chemistry—me and Connor—just keeps growing as we go. The biggest thing for us, and we talk about it, is being better defensively. The last few games, we have, and we need to continue to do that.”
As the Blackhawks navigate a tough season, Bertuzzi’s growing connection with Bedard is one of the bright spots.