While Todd Bertuzzi is dealing with other sorts of legal matters, he’s getting some business taken care of with the Detroit Red Wings as Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press finds out.
Todd Bertuzzi has agreed to a two-year, $3.875 million deal with the Detroit Red Wings.
“It’s just a really good fit for me,” the forward said. “My kids were so pumped when they found out we’re going back for two more years -- now my son gets to stay in his hockey program, and they get to go back to the same schools.”
The Wings now have just over $54 million committed to 18 players headed into next season. The salary cap is expected to rise to $58.8 million. They also are working on contracts for restricted free-agent forwards Drew Miller, Patrick Eaves, Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm, along with defenseman Derek Meech.
With Detroit committing that much money to Bertuzzi, you’d have to assume the Red Wings are working with the assumption that the players union will take the salary escalator which will push the salary cap up to about $59 million, up from $56.8 million where it was this year. Either that or Ken Holland is feeling frisky with paying out for older players. Bertuzzi figures to be a second or third liner with Detroit next season with Tomas Holmstrom back in the fold as well as Jiri Hudler who is returning from a one year stint in the KHL.