Tyler Bertuzzi discusses future with Red Wings

Gritty forward Tyler Bertuzzi has certainly proven himself to be one of the most important members of the Detroit Red Wings, breaking the 30 goal plateau last season as well as demonstrating an ability to play a two-way game. There's also the fact that he does the dirty work for the team in the trenches as well as standing up for himself and his teammates. 

And fans know that he has an opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. Unfortunately, Detroit hasn't gotten a chance to see much of him this year thanks to his having suffered a broken hand in just the second game of the year, though he's slated for a potential return in Detroit's upcoming Western road swing.

Does the contract situation weigh on his mind at all? 

"A little bit, moreso just about my hand and talking about things like that," he said. "Kind of have to get that sorted out." 

However, he's trying to keep negotiations out of his mind as he works to get back into the lineup and begin contributing to the team once again.

"Not lately, I haven't been playing," he said about contract negotiations. "It's not something I've been thinking about. Just trying to get back and get healthy." 

"I'm excited to come back, the guys have been doing well and gelling well," he said. "The new guys have been awesome, and it will be good to be back." 

The Red Wings begin their Western road trip with a matchup against the Los Angeles Kings tomorrow night at Crypto.com Arena, followed by trips to Anaheim, San Jose and Columbus before returning home.