Detroit Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi is in a contract year, one that has been hampered with injuries. At the beginning of December, he underwent surgery on his hand and was given a six-week timeline for his recovery.

With the Red Wings on the outside looking in on the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, it would make sense for the team for the team to move on from the pending unrestricted free agent to bring in asset(s) to help their young core.

But according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Bertuzzi is interested in remaining with Detroit and contract negotiations are expected to begin in the neat future. Pagnotta added that if contract talks go south, the team would opt to trade Bertuzzi before the deadline on March 3rd.

"According to a source close to the organization, Bertuzzi is open and willing to sign an extension with the Red Wings and stay in Detroit beyond this season, providing the right contract can be ironed out between the two parties." Pagnotta said.

He added, "The Red Wings held preliminary contract talks with Bertuzzi's camp earlier in the season and discussions are expected to pick up in the relatively near future."

While the Red Wings would probably like to keep the 27-year-old around, general manager Steve Yzerman has his sights set on locking up an even bigger pending UFA, that being captain Dylan Larkin. Pagnotta says that negotiations between the Red Wings and Larkin's camp are expected to pick up leading up to the All-Star break.

Bertuzzi, a native of Sudbury (Ontario), has appeared in ten games for Detroit this season, tallying four points (one goal, three assists), four penalty minutes and is a minus-two.

Tyler Bertuzzi is interested in staying in Detroit. The #LGRW are expected to chat with his camp in the near future, but he could be moved if a deal can't be reached

I touch more on this & if the #FueledByPhilly will retain $ on Kevin Hayes' contract. https://t.co/1voViHdFRp— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) January 11, 2023