NHL Rumors: Red Wings Will Trade Forward By Deadline If Not Extended

The Detroit Red Wings are in the midst of a very tough stretch which should define their season. They entered this stretch in a playoff spot but have since lost a few games in a row and are sitting three points back. They are by no means out of the race, but the other Eastern Conference teams who were struggling out of the gate are finding their game and winning games, making it tougher for the Red Wings.

I don't see the Red Wings outplaying teams like the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, and even the Florida Panthers for the entire season and should be on the outside of the playoffs looking in by the time the trade deadline comes around.

According to Ansar Khan, the Red Wings will trade Tyler Bertuzzi if he isn't extended by the trade deadline. It appears as though this could be a reality whether the team is in the playoffs or not. Steve Yzerman knows how to build a team and understands Detroit isn't winning the Stanley Cup this season. Bertuzzi will either be a part of the future or the team will get something in return for him. The Red Wings aren't going to lose someone with his value for nothing in free agency next summer.

Bertuzzi is currently injured and has only played nine games this season. So the Red Wings are playing this well without his services for the most part. This is in favour of the team as they have that leverage. The 27-year-old did put up 30 goals and 62 points in 68 games last season as a first line winger, but the Red Wings have seen more of their young players and could feel like they have the talent to replace Bertuzzi for cheaper. One thing is certain, Detroit is not overpaying to keep Bertuzzi around.