Forget most of what we said here, except for the part about Hudler and reverse it. Bertuzzi will take minutes from Hudler and others like Dan Cleary and possibly even Ilari Filppula. As of this moment we no longer consider The Detroit News a relevant or accurate website.
According to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, the Wings offered Todd Bertuzzi a one-year contract for around 1 million dollars. McCosky believes Bertuzzi should sign this contract despite making a lofty 1.5 million during the past season and matching his totals from the previous two seasons while playing with incredibly talented players.
In all honesty, Bertuzzi could make that 1.5 million from another team if he did not hold the reputation of being… Todd Bertuzzi. Ken Holland clearly likes what he brings to the table as a towering top six forward with some skill considering he brought him to Detroit two separate times.
Bertuzzi leaving does open up room for Jiri Hudler, however. Previous to leaving the NHL for Dynamo Moscow, Hudler already registered 57 points, a good deal more than Bertuzzi’s 44. If Bertuzzi does not return, Hudler would be guaranteed top six minutes and likely play with one of Pavel Datsyuk or Henrik Zetterberg.
Away from the Wings, Bertuzzi may manage mid-40s points but he will continue to be a shell of his former 90 point, 100 PIM production.
