The Detroit Red Wings and power forward Todd Bertuzzi are on the verge of agreeing to a contract extension, several sources have confirmed to FoxSportsDetroit.com.
The deal is believed to be more than $2 million per season for two years. The Wings were seeking a one-year extension, but Bertuzzi’s asking price was not cap friendly, according to sources.
The Wings added the extra year as a compromise that will keep Bertuzzi, 37, with the Wings through the 2013-14 season.
During the past few weeks, Wings general manager Ken Holland has told reporters that he wanted to keep Bertuzzi. Without a new deal, Bertuzzi could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Bertuzzi joins a long list of veteran players who have revitalized their careers in Detroit. Once a defensive liability, he's become a responsible two-way player who remains a force down low and a shootout artist.
After a slow start to the season, Bertuzzi has picked up the pace and has 12 goals and 17 assists in 54 games. He's an impressive plus-21, which at one time during his career would have been unthinkable.
