Todd Bertuzzi Adds An Element Of Toughness

Just when you thought Ken Holland was finished shoring up the Red Wings' roster he goes and brings back Todd Bertuzzi. This signing is the typical low fanfare addition that can really solidify the team's depth chart. Bertuzzi gives the Wings an element of toughness, someone who can add snarl to a roster full of finesse athletes. A lot of writers were quick to criticize the Bertuzzi signing, claiming Bertuzzi is no longer the scoring machine he once was, that his back problems have hindered his play, or that he takes too many bad penalties. Most critics claim Bertuzzi cannot fulfill the offensive void left by Marion Hossa, Jiri Hudler, Mikael Samuelsson and Tomas Kopecky. Take a moment to rewind back to last summer. Shortly after the Red Wings hoisted the Stanley Cup, veteran Dallas Drake announced his retirement. Drake was notorious for his hard hitting style, which payed dividends for the team throughout the playoffs. Meanwhile, Todd Bertuzzi had just been bought out by the Anaheim Ducks and linked to Detroit, where he played throughout the 2007 playoffs. Bertuzzi was familiar with the Red Wings system and enjoyed his stay with the team. In fact, Bertuzzi maintains had he not received a two-year offer from Anaheim in 2007 he would have never left Detroit. It made perfect sense to replace the physical void left by Drake with Bertuzzi. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Marion Hossa's camp proposed a one-year deal to Detroit. This time another deal was too good to pass up for Wings. Hossa, of course, went on to lead the team in goals throughout the season; however, his performance in the playoffs was inconsistent and frustrating. Teams like Anaheim and Pittsburgh hit the Wings early and often. Clearly Detroit missed Drake's toughness, a commodity in the playoffs. Todd Bertuzzi doesn't have to score 40 goals, instead he can provide a physical presence, screen goalies and contribute the occasional goal. Besides, Detroit won the Cup without Hossa in 2008, why the big fuss? Essentially Williams, Bertuzzi, Leino and Eaves will replace Hudler, Samuelsson and Kopecky. Something must be good if for two summers Ken Holland attempted to bring back Bertuzzi. It might be two years late, but Big Bert is officially back in Hockeytown!