BREAKING: Blashill Scratches Veteran

After reporting that the Detroit Red Wings will be without the services of early-season revelation Thomas Vanek for an undetermined amount of time, the organization had proceeded to call up forward Tyler Bertuzzi of the Grand Rapids Griffins.

 

This immediately drew the ire of Red Wings fans, as the team’s leading scorer Vanek (4G, 8pts) was placed on long-term injured reserve due to a hip ailment and prospect Anthony Mantha seemed capable of filling the scoring void left behind. After all, Mantha has seven goals and eight points through nine games, while Bertuzzi only has two goals and four points.

 

Head coach Jeff Blashill told reporters that the team called Bertuzzi up because they want someone capable of getting tough, gritty goals that are not necessarily pretty. Perhaps the 21-year-old’s energy can help light a fire under the Red Wings, and he’ll have to perform well if he hopes to keep himself in the lineup.

 

Thus, Blashill has opted to make Drew Miller a healthy scratch in order to make room for Bertuzzi.