Bertuzzi and Burke: together again!

With their second major free agent signing in as many days, The Ducks officially announced the signing of Todd “Big Bert” Bertuzzi on Monday. Bertuzzi played for Burke and the Vancouver Canucks in the past, posting the best numbers of his career. Bertuzzi signed a two year, 8 million dollar contract (cap hit of 4 million yearly).

Fitting in with the Ducks’ physical style, Bertuzzi might rebound from sub-par seasons in Vancouver, Florida and ultimately Detroit. He won’t have the same pressure in Anaheim he has had the last few seasons and will likely have Burke and Carlyle doing everything in their power to return him to form. A large gamble on Burke’s part, this season will demonstrate if Bertuzzi will pay dividends or not. Should he play like he is capable, 4 million per year will seem like a huge bargain compared to other free agent signings going around.

Varius’ Note: I like Bertuzzi and hope he succeeds in Anaheim. This signing further fuels the rumors about Niedermayer or Selanne retiring, but doesn’t necessarily mean they will. Burke has gained permission from the Ducks’ owners to spend above their self-imposed salary cap, so with a few moves (perhaps packaging Marchant with Bryzgalov) the Ducks can still safely fit under the new cap.