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Bertuzzi Making Progress

If there is one hope left for the Florida Panthers season, it might hinge on whether Todd Bertuzzi can come back close to form and lead the Cats to a late season playoff push. Bertuzzi has missed 43 games this season and is anticipating a February return back to the ice. Bertuzzi was able to return to practice after the All Star Game and reviews on his practice are mixed…

”I skated and worked out over the [All-Star] break,” Bertuzzi said after an individual workout at Incredible Ice on Thursday. “I pushed it as hard as I can and came back and did another hard one [Thursday]. I actually feel pretty good. It’s a matter of being stable enough in order to go through a practice without have any hesitations.”

One of the problems I have with Bertuzzi is the fact we gave up Luongo to get him. Every Panther fan knows we got robbed in that deal but no one could anticipate the injury Bertuzzi suffered. Bertuzzi is a free agent after the season and one would think he would be looking for a big contract IF he was able to prove this season he is worth a big contract. But he wasn’t able to. Which leads me to believe we will do what we can (if 100% healthy) to keep Todd for one more season, let him have a huge year and then let him test free agency. Would any of you guys like Todd back or should we cut our losses, say it was one of the worst trades in franchise history, and move or? Or should we sign him to a one year incentive laden deal and let him prove he is worth a big payday? Does anyone here even know we have a hockey team?