NHL Free Agent News - Wings Sign Bertuzzi

Todd Bertuizi signed with a different team yet again this off-season, this time joining the Detroit Red Wings with a one-year, $1.5 million contract. The brutish power-forward, who used to dominate the crease in his hay day, is the only significant acquisition from the Stanley Cup runner-up. Salary cap concerns have been the main reason.

The Red Wings lost Marian Hossa, Jiri Hudler and Mikael Samuelsson and Tomas Kopecky to free-agency this year. Those four players totaled 187 points for the Red Wings. Bertuzzi, who played last season with the Calgary Flames, managed 44 points in 66 games last season. His size and hockey IQ keep him a relevant player in the NHL, but he’s far removed from the 97-point career high he had in 2002-03.

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Time is running out for Bertuzzi to win a Cup. After a dramatic finish to his time in Vancouver (and no, I’m not going there) Bertuzzi was shipped to Florida in exchange for Roberto Luongo. He spent most of his time in Florida on the IR during 2006-07, and was eventually traded to the Detroit Red Wings at the deadline. The Wings went all the way to the Western Conference Finals, but lost to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks.

In 2007, the Ducks signed Bertuzzi to a two-year, $8 million deal though he only lasted one year in Anaheim. Due to cap constraints, Anaheim was forced to put Bertuzzi on waivers and he shipped his act to Calgary for $1.95 million.

Bertuzzi’s 2008-09 season was cut short due to knee surgery which was required to repair knee cartilage damage. The surgery took place on March 3rd, 2009 which means Big Bertuzzi will be back on the ice in October for the Red Wings as fresh as a 34 year-old with back problems and knee surgery can be.

Detroit has lost some significant scoring prowess, and while Bertuzzi still has some gusto left, he’s hardly the player he once was. He’ll be counted on for 35-45 points this season, while helping tutor the younger guns that the Wings have drafted over the years. The Red Wings are caught in somewhat of a transition year as they lose a ton of scoring and replace it with inexperienced youth, and a veteran with too many miles on his legs.

But if you’re thinking that’s a reason to doubt the perennial Stanley Cup contending Red Wings, then think again. The oddsmakers have pegged the Wings to win the Stanley Cup this coming NHL betting season. The Wings are +500 favorites, slightly ahead of Chicago at +700, Pittsburgh at +550 and San Jose at +750.