The Northwest Division just got a lot more interesting!
Today, the Calgary Flames signed forward Todd Bertuzzi to a one-year deal worth $1.95 million. This adds some much needed size and power to the Flames.
This also marks the return of Bertuzzi to the Northwest Division. In 2006, he was traded to the Florida Panthers in a deal that sent Roberto Luongo to the Vancouver Canucks. That deal is regarded as one of the most lopsided transactions in recent memory.
Since leaving Vancouver, he played for the Detroit Red Wings and the Anaheim Ducks. In 68 games with the Ducks, he recorded 14 goals, 26 assists, and 97 penalty minutes.
Could this be a new beginning for the struggling Bertuzzi?
He has not been the same since the Steve Moore incident—one of the worst acts ever committed on the ice.
We all remember it. In 2004 at GM Place in Vancouver, B.C., in a divisional game against the Colorado Avalanche, Todd Bertuzzi sucker-punched Avalanche forward Steve Moore from behind.
That sucker-punch got Bertuzzi suspended indefinitely, but Steve Moore has not been able to come back to the game he loves since then. Now they are in a bitter legal dispute that also involves former Canuck coach Marc Crawford and the Vancouver organization.
Now with Bertuzzi back in the Northwest Division, we will witness some interesting match-ups. Bertuzzi will play against his former team, the Vancouver Canucks, in divisional games. But most interesting, he will be facing the team he was playing when his career went downhill—the Colorado Avalanche.
Calgary vs. Colorado already has an intense rivalry, but Todd Bertuzzi intensifies this a few notches. He will be playing in Denver for several games, where he is public enemy No. 1.
As an Avs fan, I cannot wait to play the Flames!
Come see more AVS news on my new blog!
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3 months ago
Love that photo Adam. I was at the game where Bertuzzi got pelted with Rob Blake nesting dolls from the crowd at Pepsi Center. It was almost comical watching Bertuzzi cry to the officials about some old lady sitting behind the glass while she made the "shame, shame" gesture at him with her fingers.
3 months ago
Good signing by calgary,where was fletcher?bertuzzi would of looked good in toronto
3 months ago
Bertuzzi is a disgrace. He has no place in this league.
3 months ago
geez its not like he ended some stars career,how do you know moore is not faking it?? he made a lot of money which he would not have made playing in minors,anyone can fake it,happens everyday.....bertuzzi you are alright
from 3 months ago
yes...he faked three fractured neck vertebrae, facial cuts and a severe concussion. PLUS he can't play the game he loved anymore.
I mean, forget the 12 year hockey career (INCLUDING Juniors)... he's faking it...right?
get real dude!
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