Bertuzzi headed to Motor City

Given the fact that the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 2008 and made it to the NHL finals again this year, one does not necessarily see the need for change. However, like any other franchise, the Red Wings are always ready to further improve their competitive team when the right opportunity emerges.

Thus, GM Ken Holland decided to add some more offensive power and veteran leadership by acquiring right wing Todd Bertuzzi. The 34-year old forward from Ontario already played for Detroit in 2006-07 after being traded half-way through the season. In 859 NHL games Bertuzzi was able to put up 255 goals and 369 assists for 624 points. Having played for the New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames, Detroit could very well be the last stop of his NHL career. Although his scoring has been decreasing over the past couple years, he can still be regarded a capable offensive option and could be a good fit for the Red Wings. Either way, Ken Holland did not take any risks by signing him to a one-year deal which will give the franchise the opportunity to head into a different direction next summer if things do not work out as planned.

Being a two-time NHL All-Star and physical presence on the ice, Bertuzzi might fit well into head coach Mike Babcock’s system. Most importantly, the Red Wings are known for being a disciplined and well organized team that often benefits from the experience of their rather old roster. While finding the right mix between young players and veterans has been a controversial discussion, there is very little to criticize about Detroit’s approach in the past. Having won the Stanley Cup four times since 1996, the franchise has proven to be one of the very few teams that consistently managed to be a championship contender. Adding a valuable role player like Bertuzzi as opposed to any major change will most likely ensure that the Red Wings will be at the top of the Western Conference once again in 2009-10.

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