Detroit Red Wings' Tyler Bertuzzi calls refusing COVID-19 vaccine 'a life choice'

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Tyler Bertuzzi explained his reasoning for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine as a “life choice.”

His decision means he cannot play in the nine games the Detroit Red Wings are in Canada because of border restrictions, but Bertuzzi doesn’t sound like he will be inclined to change his mind.

“It’s a personal choice, freedom of choice, and life choice,” Bertuzzi said Thursday after participating in the first day of training camp at Centre Ice Arena. “It’s a personal choice, and I made it.”

Bertuzzi, 26, said he made his decision with “family and fiancée's family. It’s personal choice. It’s personal.” Bertuzzi announced on social media earlier this month that his fiancee, Ashley Greasley, are expecting their first baby.

MORE DRAMA:Sabres strip Jack Eichel of captaincy after failed physical, disconnect over treatment

PREDS PROSPECT:'I feel like a new version of me' after coming out

Teams cannot mandate a player be vaccinated, but they suspend him without pay for missing hockey activities. Bertuzzi would miss upwards of $400,000 because he cannot play in Canada.

General manager Steve Yzerman revealed Wednesday that Bertuzzi, a top-line forward, is the only Wings player to not be vaccinated.

"It's his decision,” Yzerman said. “I am not in a position to force anyone. We can't force anyone to get vaccinated. I personally am vaccinated, my family is vaccinated. I'll leave it at that.”

Bertuzzi has not played since leaving a game in January with a back injury. He underwent surgery in April, and was enthused to be back at a practice.

“I'm feeling really good,” Bertuzzi said. “I think I’m cleared and throughout camp I will be getting bumped and hit. I was really happy with my progress and my recovery. I stayed in Detroit all summer, worked out and skated. I feel really good.”

Contact Helene St. James at hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.