Bertuzzi Signs One-Year Deal With Wings

[UKRedWing]

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings announced today that the club has signed free agent forward Todd Bertuzzi to a one-year contract.

Bertuzzi, 34, was originally a first round draft pick (23rd overall) of the New York Islanders in 1993.

The Sudbury, Ontario native spent last season with the Calgary Flames where he posted 44 points (15-29—44) in 66 games.

Bertuzzi returns to Detroit for the second time in his career, having played in eight regular-season games (2-2—4) and 16 playoff games (3-4—7) for the Red Wings in 2006-07 after he was acquired in a trade with the Florida Panthers.

The 13-year NHL veteran has played in 859 career games, scoring 255 goals and adding 369 assists for 624 points. He has also collected 1,221 penalty minutes.

[Colt Seavers]

Still only a rumor. Jim Devellano was mistaken when he gave a recent radio interview. He's has mis-spoke before. I think Bert has expressed he wants to play for only East teams.

[UKRedWing]

Heres the interview that took place LAST friday:

http://www.fan590.com/ondemand/media...17_110448_7792

At 13:50 Devellano says: "I believe we are close to signing Bertuzzi. We hope to have him signed by next week."

[canuckfan]

Bertuzzi actually had a pretty decent season here in Calgary before the karma/imjury bug hit him - a lot of Flames fans here are actually a little sad that Sutter decided not to re-sign him. Put him in a secondary scoring role with a couple decent linemates like the Flames did and he can still get you 15-20 goals plus a bit of a mean streak. He still has a couple more seasons left in him. I think he could be a good fit in Detroit.

[Colt Seavers]

The hockey media around here has been debunking the rumor. But, I may stand corrected. This is a probable sign. Another mediocre signing when they had far better to select from earlier in the summer.

[UKRedWing]

Originally Posted by rjman48

The hockey media around here has been debunking the rumor.

George Malik on Mlive has just posted a new snapshot where he seems to be admitting he was wrong in originally not believeing the rumours. Looks like its gonna happen.

[detroit4life]

Not getting my hopes up on this one. We thought they were seriously hunting Orr, then Neil, then Grier, none of which happened. Keeping my expectations low so I won't be disappointed.

[BrianTheAdsFan]

Seriously, how physical is Bert, who is gonna be 34, with the Moore incident still hanging over his head, going to be in our 'new' NHL and in Detroit?

[steadyAim]

Bert was playing great with the flames and He would fit perfect in Detroit. He fits there kind of play and plus he's phisical when he wants to be and thats always good energy to pick up on and thats something the wings desperately need right now.

[UKRedWing]

Its no longer a rumor:

General manager Ken Holland confirmed Monday the club is negotiating with free-agent forward Todd Bertuzzi.

"We're talking to him," Holland said.

Holland declined further comment, but a league source said the club offered Bertuzzi a one-year deal worth $1.5 million for next season, and that there is a strong indication that a deal will get done this week.

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index...._with_for.html

[skacore]

Originally Posted by UKRedWing

Its no longer a rumor:



http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index...._with_for.html

I got a chubby

[The_Sheriff]

Fits well......

[Gunslinger]

Count me among the minority who feel that Berts best days are behind him. I got no use for the guy but the Wings can have him. They do need whatever grit he can still bring.

[Isles4life]

Originally Posted by Gunslinger

Count me among the minority who feel that Berts best days are behind him. I got no use for the guy but the Wings can have him. They do need whatever grit he can still bring.

I don't think that's the minority. Bertuzzi's best days are behind him, but as you said the Wings desperately need some grit and he brings a bit of a mean streak to the team and can still pitch in offensively.

[Dave_42]

I hope this doesnt happen, I was not at all impressed with him during his last stint with the Wings.