Friday, June 27, 2008

On Waivers: Todd Bertuzzi

The Anaheim Ducks are parting ways with winger Todd Bertuzzi after only 1 year of a 2 year, $8 million contract signed last season. Bertuzzi had a return to form of sorts notching 40 points (14 goals, 26 assists) on 68 games with the Ducks but it seemed he never fully gelled with his teammates in Anaheim. Bert failed to meet expectation notching only 2 assists on 6 playoff games as the defending Cup champs were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. It can be presumed that the Ducks will buyout the remainder of his contract since no team will pick up the exorbinant $4 million remaining on the deal.

Bertuzzi, originally drafted in the 1st Round, 23rd overall of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, has played for the Isles, Vancouver and Anaheim with brief stays in Florida and Detroit. He has played in 793 NHL games recording 240 goals and 340 assists for 580 points. He will probably be forever remembered for his year long suspension following a sucker punch/face plant to Colorado forward Steve Moore which broke a neck vertebra, prematurely ending Moore's career.

Bertuzzi will invariably find work somewhere in the league (FIW would make a guess that Columbus could use his services), but at a severe discount from the ridiculous amount Anaheim had signed him to. As always, we wish Bert the best as he looks for a new employer.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

So long, Tuzz...