While the Bruins' time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs ended very early, forward Tyler Bertuzzi was a bright spot on the roster and exceeded expectations after being acquired from the Detroit Red Wings prior to the trade deadline in March.
Bertuzzi was highly sought after by many teams leading up to March 2nd's deadline, but it was the Boston Bruins who pulled the trigger on a deal with the Red Wings and now attention turns to trying to get him under contract before hitting the open market on July 1st.
According to 98.5 The Sports Hub, a radio station in Boston, Bertuzzi is reportedly seeking upwards of $7 million per season on his next contract if he hits unrestricted free agency on Canada Day.
The 28-year-old dealt with some injury issues during the 2022-23 season, including missing six weeks with a hand injury that required surgery. In 50 games between Detroit and Boston, Bertuzzi had 30 points (eight goals, 22 assists), 29 penalty minutes and was a minus-eight.
On his most recent contract, Bertuzzi was making $4.75 million AAV and given that during the 2021-22 season he was nearly a point-per-game player, recording 62 points in 68 games, it's certainly understandable that he's wanting a pay raise. It's hard to see him getting $7 million AAV, but there's no doubt he'll be in the $6-$6.75 million range, should he become a UFA in just under a month from now.
