The Red Wings are being cautious with Bertuzzi, who may not draw into any preseason contests following major back surgery, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It doesn't seem like the Wings are optimistic about Bertuzzi's chances of suiting up for Opening Night versus the Lightning on Oct. 14. The fiery winger reportedly missed practice Monday, with coach Jeff Blashill adding, "We'd love to have him in exhibition games that can help you feel your way into it. But right now, we're just making sure we're progressing at the right speed." Bertuzzi dialed in five goals and two assists -- including four power-play points -- in just nine games last season, and there's definite breakout potential for him this year if he's able to work his way back to full strength.

Bertuzzi (back) was on the ice for the Red Wings' first practice of training camp Thursday, The Athletic's Max Bultman reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bertuzzi was limited to just nine games last season due to a back injury, but he was highly productive over that span, racking up five goals and seven points, and he appears to be fully healthy ahead of the upcoming campaign. He will, however, automatically miss Detroit's nine games versus Canadian teams due to his decision to forego the COVID-19 vaccine, so that's something fantasy managers will have to take into account heading into this year's drafts.

Bertuzzi (back) signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Red Wings on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Bertuzzi's new contract covers his final year of restricted free agency and one unrestricted year, so he'll be an unrestricted free agent once this deal expires. Detroit's lack of willingness to sign him long term suggests the Red Wings aren't sold on the 26-year-old winger as a franchise cornerstone. A back injury limited Bertuzzi to nine games last season, but he's expected to regain health heading into the 2021-22 season.

Bertuzzi (back) is expected to be ready for training camp, according to Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman.

EDGE Analysis

Bertuzzi said he is feeling good after undergoing back surgery April 30. The net-front pest had burst out of the gate this season, adding five goals and two assists in nine games, but Bertuzzi reportedly went under the knife after experiencing a setback in his recovery. Look for Bertuzzi to reclaim his spot on the top line and No. 1 power-play unit as soon as he's ready to rock.

Bertuzzi underwent successful back surgery April 30 and is expected to be ready for the start of the 2021-22 campaign, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bertuzzi was limited to just nine games this season due to his back injury, picking up five goals and seven points over that span, but he should be ready to rock once the 2021-22 campaign gets underway. The 26-year-old forward will be a prime bounce-back candidate heading into next year's fantasy drafts.

Bertuzzi (upper body) won't return this season and may require surgery to address his upper-body injury, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Red Wings only have eight regular-season games remaining and aren't going to make the playoffs, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that they've decided to shut Bertuzzi down for the year. The 26-year-old winger had a hot start to the season before suffering his upper-body injury, racking up five goals and seven points through the first nine games of the campaign. He'll remain an attractive fantasy asset heading into 2021-22.

Bertuzzi (upper body) has yet to be cleared to practice, but the Red Wings are still hopeful he'll be able to return sometime this season, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

There's only about a month remaining in the regular season, and Detroit isn't going to make the playoffs, so Bertuzzi will need to begin practicing soon in order to have a shot at returning in 2020-21. The 26-year-old winger racked up five goals and seven points through the first nine games of the campaign before suffering an upper-body injury.

Bertuzzi (upper body) has been skating on his own of late, but he isn't close to returning to practice with his teammates, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

At this point it's looking more and more likely that Bertuzzi will miss the rest of the 2020-21 campaign. The 26-year-old winger picked up five goals and seven points through the first nine games of the season before suffering an upper-body injury.

Bertuzzi is not close to returning from his upper-body injury, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The burgeoning winger hasn't played since the injury surfaced in a Jan. 30 contest versus the Panthers. While Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill has reported some degree of progress with Bertuzzi -- including being on the ice for solo skates -- he remains without a clear timetable for his return. Detroit currently ranks 30th in the league standings, and the Original Six club is certainly wishing Bert could be out there. After all, he plays in all situations and produced five goals and two assists in nine games prior to the injury.

Bertuzzi (upper body) still hasn't returned to practice and is at least a week away from returning to action, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bertuzzi has already been sidelined for over two months and his return still doesn't appear to be imminent. The 26-year-old winger picked up five goals and seven points through the first nine games of the campaign before suffering an upper-body injury.