Detroit — The improved depth the Red Wings have talked about and believe they have will be tested early.
Coach Derek Lalonde announced after Monday’s morning skate that forward Tyler Bertuzzi will be out four to six weeks with an upper-body injury.
Bertuzzi was hurt blocking a shot early in Saturday’s 5-2 victory in New Jersey. He left the ice in pain after blocking a shot near his hand and didn’t return.
Forward Jakub Vrana will also miss Monday’s game against Los Angeles for personal reasons.
Filip Zadina and Joe Veleno, who were healthy scratches Saturday, will both re-enter the lineup to take their places.
The loss of Bertuzzi will be felt. But, as usually is the case in pro sports, it’s a valuable opportunity for Zadina to re-establish himself after being a healthy scratch the first two games and losing his spot in the lineup.
“I didn’t want to sit him both games on the weekend. We literally had four or five different options and I’ve been anxious to get him in,” Lalonde said. “This is obviously the opportunity.”
Zadina skated on a line with Andrew Copp and David Perron, while Dominik Kubalik was placed on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. Elmer Soderblom continues to be with Michael Rasmussen and Oskar Sundqvist, while Veleno was between Pius Suter and Adam Erne.
Lalonde feels the depth the Wings have up front can make up for the personnel losses.
“It’s a tough loss. With (Robby) Fabbri also out (knee surgery), those are two top six guys, arguably two first-liners, but this is why you have the depth,” Lalonde said. “(General manager) Steve (Yzerman) had a very good offseason and he wanted to have some depth. I like our lineup (Monday) despite who is out and that’s a credit to our depth.
“Last year if they went through two injuries in the top six, I don’t know if the lines would look as strong as they do (Monday).”
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Bertuzzi had one assist in the first two games. He missed 14 games last season, mainly due to his vaccination status and not being able to enter Canada for any games. Still, Bertuzzi scored a career-high 30 goals.
During the shortened 56-game season in 2020-21, Bertuzzi only played nine games before eventually facing back surgery.
Not having Bertuzzi is a definitive loss, but Kubalik could soften the sting.
“He’s a finisher,” said Lalonde, of what the Wings will miss. “His goals, that line can win the zone battle. He had some good defensive shifts and he’s had a good buy-in (to the new coaching staff and schemes).
“When Bert got hurt Saturday, we used Kubalik up on that line and they did some good things.”
Bertuzzi also missed a portion of this preseason after “tweaking” something, but he returned to play two of the final exhibition games.
Lalonde said Bertuzzi will be able to train and continue to improve his conditioning level.
As for Zadina, he’s excited for the chance to return to the lineup.
“It was tough for a little bit but I’m not the first (player) that it happened to,” Zadina said of being a healthy scratch. “I just worked and trained when I didn’t get the chance. Now I’m getting the chance and I’m ready to go.”
Zadina was surprised by losing his spot.
“A little bit,” Zadina said. “But it’s hockey and we have real good players here. I didn’t get the chance the first two games. It happened, and now I’m getting the chance so I want to take it and do well.
“I did some good things (in the exhibition season), that’s how I felt before. I just have to keep that positive (attitude) I had in the preseason and I want to bring it to the regular season. Nothing really changes for me and I just want to be the best player on the ice.”
ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @tkulfan