There might be no one happier for the return of Tyler Bertuzzi than Dylan Larkin. The two are close friends and linemates, and the Red Wings are a better team when both are on the ice -- because each is a better player with the other. It's easy to forget given how he finished, but Larkin had a strong start last year with Bertuzzi on his wing. They both had seven points in Detroit's first nine games.
Then a back injury shelved Bertuzzi for the season. Larkin produced two points in the nine games that followed, and just 16 in the final 35 games of the season. A year later, nine-game samples feel apt. Bertuzzi's already cost himself that many by declining to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
"Tyler’s aware of that," Larkin said Thursday after Detroit's first practice of training camp. "Being a close friend with him, we’ve had conversations and he’s explained to me -- we’ve talked a lot about it. Tyler’s thought a lot about it. I know that there’s a lot of support for him making his own decision, but there’s also a part where everyone knows we’re going to miss him when he can’t play."
When Bertuzzi can play, Jeff Blashill plans to play him with Larkin -- hopefully from the start of the season to the end. Between Larkin's speed and Bertuzzi's puck possession, they're as dogged as they are dangerous. Larkin is coming off a neck injury himself, but both players are close to 100 percent and expected to be ready for the season-opener Oct. 14 against the defending Cup champs.
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"They’re both in a good spot right now, mentally and physically," Blashill said. "I like the two together. They’re a pair I’d like to keep together all season if I can. Obviously last year we started that way but couldn’t finish because of the injury to Tyler. I think Tyler and Dylan complement each other. I also think they have real good chemistry on and off the ice, so it’s definitely a pair I’d like to see stay together. And then we’re looking to see who earns the spot with them, and that will be determined over time."
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It was Filip Zadina in the first practice of camp. The Wings are counting on the former sixth overall pick to produce more offense this season after slumping to six goals in 49 games last season. The same goes for Larkin, who's likely counting on Bertuzzi to help. Bertuzzi had a hand in five of Larkin's first seven points last season and more than half of his 53 points the season prior.
And in those nine games for which Bertuzzi is ineligible, "like an injury, like anything, "you have to find ways to move on and be ready to play," Larkin said. "We deal with it a lot in our business and we will treat this the same way."
Blashill echoed Larkin's sentiment, noting that "Tyler’s a guy that I love as a person and I love as a player."
"Certainly he brings a lot to the table. I think he’s a big piece of our puzzle, I have for a long time. So for those games, we’ll be missing a piece of the puzzle," Blashill said. "Now, that brings opportunities for other guys and they’ll have to step up in that role."