It's no fluke that Bertuzzi was named the MVP of the Calder Cup playoffs. His solid 12 goals and 37 points in 48 regular-season games were overshadowed by a 19-point postseason for the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Bertuzzi’s ability to kick it up a notch when it mattered most certainly raised eyebrows in the Red Wings’ front office, making him a serious contender for a spot on the Opening Night roster. Still, his call-ups were uneventful in 2016-17, as he scored zero points in seven games. The 21-year-old plays a lot like his uncle, retired Red Wing Todd Bertuzzi, in that his game is characterized by fiery aggression and keen awareness of his surroundings -- but he’s better at staying out of the penalty box (37 PIM in the AHL last year). The youngster will have plenty of opportunities to prove his worth in Motown even if he fails to make the team right out of training camp.

To some degree, Bertuzzi is following in the footsteps of his Uncle Todd. Both started their careers with the Guelph Storm of the OHL and have spent time within the Red Wings’ organization. Todd wrapped up his 18-year NHL career -- his last five seasons were spent with Detroit -- a year before the club selected his nephew with a second-round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. At 21 years old, Bertuzzi is a menacing winger with a second home in the penalty box. This past season, while playing for AHL Grand Rapids, he racked up 133 PIM in 71 games, far and away the highest total on the team. When he’s not warming the sin bin, Bertuzzi is a threat to score. He dropped 43 goals in 68 games with the Guelph Storm of the OHL in 2014-15, and thrived in the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs, leading the Griffins with seven scores in nine contests. Bertuzzi will compete for a roster spot right of training camp. If the pest doesn’t break camp, he’ll likely be a top call-up option when injuries threaten the crop of more seasoned forwards.

Mostly known as the nephew of teammate Todd Bertuzzi, Tyler broke out for 34 points in 29 games with the Guelph Storm of the OHL last season and earned himself a second-round pick with Detroit. He's still a raw talent, but Detroit likes his abrasive and physical style of play for the future. Give the younger Bertuzzi a few years, and he may make a similar impact in the NHL to that of his uncle.