Getty Images Detroit’s injury situation is going from bad to worse.
Already without the services of a number of key players, the Wings got more bad news on Wednesday when forward Todd Bertuzzi was admitted to hospital with severe back pain.
The 38-year-old has missed Detroit’s last three games with his chronically-injured back and, following a 5-3 win over St. Louis last Thursday, “could barely walk” according to the Detroit Free Press.
“Bert’s back has progressively been bothering him,” Wings GM Ken Holland explained. “He’s out for a while, but I don’t know what awhile is.”
Here’s more, from the Free Press:
Holland said surgery “is a last resort. No one is rushing into surgery.” Surgery would mean Bertuzzi is done for the season.
Bertuzzi, 38, has a history of back problems, dating to a herniated disk in 2006 that required surgery, sidelining him as he was traded from Florida to Detroit in March 2007. He missed five games in January 2009, then with Calgary, because of back pain.
Bertuzzi is in the first of a two-year, $4.15 million extension signed with Detroit in February. He has an average annual cap hit of $2.075 million. Given that he’s 38 and the injury appears to be severe, he could be a candidate to go on long-term injured reserve.
-
NHL to implement hybrid icing next season if trial period goes well
Jun 19, 2013, 3:20 PM EDT
The players’ union and Board of Governors will vote near the end of the exhibition campaign.
-
Getty Images
Detroit could have quite the sports and entertainment district.
-
Getty Images
His choice. Wasn’t required to go.
-
Canada last hosted in 2012.
-
Getty Images
“He’s forechecked, done well in the battles as far as trying to come up with the puck, all the things we ask him to do.”
-
Trio was huge against L.A. in the Western Conference finals.
-
Getty Images
But let’s just wait and see for sure.
-
Getty Images
Despite recent reports.
-
News and notes: How are the Bruins stopping Chicago’s power play?
Jun 19, 2013, 12:20 PM EDT
Getty Images
News and notes entering Wednesday’s Stanley Cup Final showdown — will Boston continue to stymie the power play?
-
He spent all of last season with AHL Peoria.
-
Getty Images
Meanwhile, the clock keeps ticking.
-
Persistent Preds sign another: D-man Bartley, three years, $2 million
Jun 19, 2013, 11:35 AM EDT
GM David Poile might be the busiest man in hockey.
-
AP
Based on a couple of reports, the answer appears to be yes.
-
Sens’ Murray has ‘talked to a number of teams’ about moving up at draft
Jun 19, 2013, 11:17 AM EDT
AP
“If you move up, there’s a chance to maybe get that better player.”
-
The duo spent the last three seasons together in Vancouver.
-
He’ll be in charge of working with defensemen.
-
Getty Images
Chicago has once again found themselves behind the Bruins.
-
Getty Images
Both were scheduled to become restricted free agents this summer.
-
Ken Cruise showed off his work at Game 3.
-
Getty Images
Boston has a 2-1 series lead.
