Tyler Bertuzzi sounds off on verge of missing 1st game in Canada
Take a look at what he had to say.
Detroit Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi found himself the subject of intense media and fan scrutiny when it was revealed by GM Steve Yzerman that he was the lone player on the roster who had not received the COVID-19 vaccination, and that it was his choice not to do so.
However, his decision will not only cost him money, but will also cost him the chance to play in Canadian cities owing to health and safety mandates.
Of course, this will also be a major setback for the Red Wings, as Bertuzzi has began the season on an absolute tear with five goals in his first three games.
He will not be suiting up when the Red Wings travel north of the Canadian border for Saturday's game against their Original 6 rival Montreal Canadiens, who have yet to win a game this season.
“I’ll be watching and cheering on the guys from home,” Bertuzzi said. “I’ll be back with them on Sunday.”
Meanwhile, as far as his relationship with his teammates is concerned, Bertuzzi said that there were no issues after his decision was made public.
“Everything is good, same as normal,” Bertuzzi said of his relationship with his teammates when his decision was announced. And according to Bertuzzi, he didn't have to think twice about his choice.
“It was pretty set in stone,” Bertuzzi said.
For GM Steve Yzerman, it indeed came down to Bertuzzi's personal choice.
“The league has worked on protocols for vaccinated and non-vaccinated players that all teams and players are to follow,” Yzerman explained yesterday. “Tyler will follow the protocols for non-vaccinated players, most significant is as of now and the foreseeable future you can’t enter Canada unless you’re vaccinated. So that obviously will be an issue when we play Canadian teams.”
The Red Wings are 2-0-1 to start the young season, and host the Calgary Flames at Little Caesars Arena tomorrow night.
