Bertuzzi Awarded One Year, $3.5 Million In Arbitration

Bertuzzi’s Big Year Temporarily Pays Off

The 25-year-old was a restricted free agent coming off a career-high in assists (27) and points (48) while tying his career-high in goals (21). He was the Red Wings’ representative at the 2020 All-Star Game.

The one-year deal opens up opportunities for both the Red Wings and Bertuzzi. He is coming off a career year and has the opportunity to prove that it wasn’t a fluke and that he will continue to improve. If he does, he could earn a long-term deal next off-season and get the pay he deserves.

For the Red Wings, the one-year deal means that, next season, Bertuzzi will once again be a restricted free agent. They will have team control and the ability to match any offer sheet next season. It’s a perfect situation for both team and player. The deal sets up 2020-21 as a huge year for him to show how good he can be and how important he will be to this team going forward.

The Red Wings still have to work out a deal with restricted free agent Anthony Mantha. The 26-year-old was on a tear last year before suffering a punctured lung. Unlike Bertuzzi, Mantha did not file for arbitration, so a deal should be on the horizon. It’s just a matter of when.

Featured image by rabbi_d via Flickr

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