NHL Short Notes

Bertuzzi Signs With The Red Wings 

A familiar face is coming back to hockey town as 34 year-old Todd Bertuzzi signed a one- year contract worth 1.5 million dollars. This 13- year veteran was with the Calgary Flames last season where he scored 15 goals and 29 assists in 66 games. Bertuzzi who is a former New York Islanders 1993 first round draft pick dressed for eight games with the Red Wings back in 2006/07 and scored 2 goals and 2 assists. In the playoffs that spring he had 3 goals 4 assists in 16 games. Even though this hulking forward’s best day are behind him Bertuzzi does bring size and valuable experience to the Wings. 

Shirokov Signs With The Canucks

On Monday the Vancouver Canucks became a better team after they signed their 2006 draft pick Sergei Shirokov who is coming off a stellar season of 17 goals and 41 points in 56 games with CSKA Moscow in the Kontinental Hockey League.

This 23 year-old brings a pretty impressive resume to the Canucks which includes a career total of 7 goals and 6 assists in 12 tournament games. He has also played for team Russia in two world championships and according to scouts is ready to play in the NHL. 

Vinny Going To Broadway 

After being bought out by the Tampa Bay Lightning the New York Rangers went out and signed unrestricted free agent Vaclav Prospal to a one -year contract worth 1.1 million. This 34 year-old scored 19 goals and 26 assists for Tampa last season before the team decided to buy out the remaining three years of what was a four year 14 million dollar contract. “Vinny is a highly skilled player with good offensive instincts and the ability to play on the wing or at the centre position,” said Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather. “We think he will give us added flexibility and brings a veteran presence to our lineup.”