Tristan Bertucci – Flint Firebirds – Player Profile

HT	WT	DOB	POS	SHOOTS	OHL DRAFT	NHLCS	COUNTRY
6’2”	172	July 12, 2005	D	L	7th 2021	32 N A	CANADA

SEASON	LEAGUE	TEAM	GP	G	A	PTS
2019-2020	GTHL U-15	Toronto Marlboros	34	2	21	23
2020-2021	GTHL U-16	DID NOT PLAY
2021-2022	OHL	Flint Firebirds	62	1	12	13
2022-2023	OHL	Flint Firebirds	63	11	39	50
2022-2023	WJC U-18	Canada	7	0	0	0

They year-over-year offensive improvement for Flint Firebirds defenceman Tristan Bertucci has elevated his stock. But it was the continued development and improvement throughout the season that has seen his draft stock rise. Ranked 51^st on NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings, he improved to 32^nd on their final rankings among North America skaters.

Not only is that a 19-spot jump for Bertucci, but Central Scouting has him third among OHL defencemen on their list, overtaking some noticeable defencemen ranked ahead of him coming into the season and even on their mid-term rankings.

Bertuzzi has good size and his skating is one of his best skills. He has quick first steps and very good top speed. He can be elusive and hard to read with his feet. Has excellent edge work with great lateral mobility and is one of the better backwards skaters in this class. He also has a strong hockey IQ with an ability to process the game quickly. That ability allows him to conserve energy and to play big minutes.

Beginning in his defensive zone, Bertucci is quick to pucks. He can lead the breakout with an excellent first pass and is very good with long stretch passes. He can also break the forecheck by skating the puck out of his zone. In this area, he fits the mold of the new age defenceman perfectly.

Bertucci also plays physically in his own zone. He is capable of taking his man out, fighting for pucks on the wall and in front of the blue paint and he will only get better as he gets stronger. His skating allows him to keep gaps tight where he uses an excellent stick, reach and anticipation to break up plays. There is always room for improvement but he is on track.

His offensive game may be a question mark. While he has shown to be offensively capable at the OHL level, it may not translate to the next level. While he can quarterback the powerplay for Flint with his ability to walk the line and make plays, a lack of a good shot from the point may prevent him from doing it at the AHL or NHL level.

Bertucci certainly has some of the skills scouts like and he is sure to be taken in the upper half of the draft in June.