Details of squabble between Bertuzzi and Yzerman that led to deadline trade

With all the hoopla surrounding the NHL trade deadline and with trade rumors being thrown around for weeks, it wasn't exactly a surprise to see the Detroit Red Wings make moves for the future.

I don't think Red Wings fans envisioned GM Steve Yzerman dealing foundational players like Filip Hronek and Tyler Bertuzzi, however. But, you can't argue that Yzerman didn't get a get return for these two high-end players. In Hronek's case, the move was maybe more of a surprise given the season that he's had and the fact that he's just 25 years old. But when the Vancouver Canucks offered up a 1st round pick and a 2nd round pick in exchange for Hronek, Yzerman had to take his chances. Bertuzzi's trade though was perhaps a little less surprising. After all, the 28 year old forward is on an expiring contract and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason.

Captain Dylan Larkin was in the same position as Bertuzzi, but Yzerman and the Red Wings elected to sign him to an 8 year, $69 million deal. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Yzerman just wasn't willing to give Bertuzzi the same kind of term that he gave his captain, thus facilitating a trade with the Boston Bruins.

More from Friedman's 32 Thoughts column for Sportsnet today:

Think the stalemate between Detroit and Tyler Bertuzzi was term. Two sides couldn’t bridge the gap, and Boston benefits. What a deadline for the Bruins. 

- Elliotte Friedman

If that's the case, it'll be fascinating to see what kind of deal Bertuzzi signs this upcoming offseason. 

I don't suspect the Bruins will be in a position to offer up Bertuzzi a long-term deal, but then again Bruins GM Don Sweeney has pulled off some surprising moves when his back is against the wall. I could see the team doubling down on Bertuzzi if they struggle to get over the hump in the post-season.

Would I personally sign a 28 year old Bertuzzi to a 7 or 8 year deal? Not a chance...

28 years old may not sound that old, but with Bertuzzi it's less about the model year and more about the mileage. He's played some tough nosed hockey for a lot of years and often times it looks as if he's playing through injury. I love his grit and determination, but that's not the kind of guy I want to commit big time dollars and term to if I'm running a Stanley Cup contender.