Detroit Red Wings Trade Rumors: Tyler Bertuzzi linked to five teams as the deadline approaches 

The Detroit Red Wings have continued to be mentioned in rumors as the March 3 trade deadline approaches. Ultimately, the team will have just over two weeks to determine if they will be buyers or sellers by the deadline. The team currently sits sixth in the Atlantic Division with a 25-20-8 record, which puts them two points behind the fourth-placed Florida Panthers.

If the team decides to make a deal or two, one name that has been linked to several teams is Tyler Bertuzzi. According to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, there are a number of teams linked to the struggling forward:

"Same goes for Tyler Bertuzzi, who Holland drafted in Detroit. As Jeff Marek reported, Dallas and Tampa Bay are there, as well. The Stars are searching for another scorer."

According to Friedman, the Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams expected to be looking to add Bertuzzi.

The 27-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent, so if the Detroit Red Wings are not interested in retaining the forward, it may be in their best interest to move Bertuzzi instead of losing him for nothing.

His eight points in 22 games this season may not help Detroit receive a sizable return in a trade, but they could still receive assets in the future. The Red Wings could likely fetch a few draft picks from the Dallas Stars or Toronto Maple Leafs, which may be the best route for the club.

"Ken Holland trying to get his son Brad to call the Red Wings about trading for Tyler Bertuzzi." - @dhockey13

Despite Bertuzzi's struggles this season, teams will be hoping he can regain his form from last season, which saw him post 30 goals and 32 assists in 68 games last season. His $4.7 million cap hit could be easy to stomach for teams such as the Edmonton Oilers, who may be one piece away from a Stanley Cup title.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin may also find himself on the move

Not only could Bertuzzi be traded by the Detroit Red Wings, but captain Dylan Larkin has also been mentioned in trade rumors linking him to teams like the Boston Bruins. While the team will likely want to keep their star, the issue boils down to ongoing contract extension talks. Reportedly, neither side is close to coming to terms on a new deal.

"Dylan Larkin pulling up to contact negotiations after scoring four goals in two games. #LGRW" - Woodward Sports Network

WhiIe the two sides cannot determine a new extension, the Detroit Red Wings risk the real possibility of losing their captain for nothing. While this may not be the desired outcome for the Red Wings, they may have no other option aside from paying more than originally offered, trading their superstar forward, or risking entering the summer without Larkin under contract.

One complication involving the trade rumors surrounding Larkin is the fact that he has a full no-movement clause in his current contract. So even if the Detroit Red wings are able to find an optimal trading partner, the deal will need to be approved by Larkin before it can proceed. Essentially, Dylan Larkin has a unique opportunity to fully control his destiny.