Red Wings Confirm Negotiations with Bertuzzi

After several days of rumors, the Red Wings have confirmed that they are indeed negotiating with Todd Bertuzzi.

Greg Brady of AM 640 in Toronto (and formerly of Detroit’s WDFN) says the Wings have offered one year at $1.5 million.

I’m with Malik in thinking that it’s a lot of money, similar to the contract for Jason Williams. Perhaps being a little desperate is causing the Red Wings to pay more than they’d like.

Should this deal happen it means Andreas Lilja will certainly start the season on long-term injured reserve and Justin Abdelkader will be skating in Grand Rapids. Neither comes as a surprise, from all reports I don’t expect Lilja to play another game for Detroit and the Wings’ brass wanted Abdelkader in GR anyway.