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Todd Bertuzzi is now coaching in Junior B, and a huge congrats to “Bert” for starting this new chapter. Per Kevin Allen at “detroithockeynow”(click the link for the full story):
Todd Bertuzzi, the uncle of Tyler Bertuzzi, is latest of former Detroit Red Wings joining the coaching fraternity. He was named coach of the Junior B Cambridge RedHawks team. The RedHawks play in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.
Quick Personal note, during Todd’s time in Detroit he was incredibly kind to me and my wife. He had some thrilling shootouts including a game decider in his 1000th game when the team was in Minnesota. We went for the celebration at Joe Louis at the next home game. Getting past the 1K mark in the NHL is something incredibly special, and wishing nothing but the best for #44.
Pro Hockey Rumors did a write up on free agents they believe will be overpaid this coming summer. There are a couple of names on the list that have been discussed here amongst the fan base. Honestly, it feels like the UFA market is going to command a premium until the end of the summer when any unsigned players may take a deal (last year Sprong’s alleged ask was 3x3 and ended up taking much lower). Agents and players are still going to look at % based on league projections for the next 2 years of growth. There may be some economic headwinds that cause an adjustment (or just add escrow back in). That write up is coming (or video) and it all revolves around…..basketball.
For now, here are a couple of the UFAs reported on.
The writeup has a number north of 9M for Brock Boeser. This is a player that has been in and around the trade rumor mill for the past few years and one that I wouldn’t have minded adding to the roster. Unfortunately Detroit has some dead weight on the books and a healthy Lombardi on the wing (leaving the Kane/Kasper/Debrincat line in tact if Kane returns) may be a better option to look at. Detroit needs massive help on the PK and the blue line. IF the team is going to spend on a UFA, it seems that is where they should focus.
The other name that got my attention on this list was Sam Bennett who is listed at a potential 6x6.3 ask. I like Bennett, his past two seasons saw 25 and 20 goals respectively, can bring some needed grit but again bad deals from the past few years haunt this possibility. This all assumes he would leave Florida, and right now being a Panther is a pretty sweet gig.
As always, let me know. Your thoughts. I’ve gotten some notes from readers having trouble accessing the site, including a longtime friend of many of ours HenryHockey. While the concerns were forwarded, it seems clear that changes continue in this blogosphere after the great Bill Meltzer along with former admin Eric and Mike Augello departed. It’s been a reminder that there are no guarantees, so again I want to thank every one of you who have made this an incredible experience. I’m hopeful that it is one that will continue for the foreseeable future but want to make sure to enjoy each post and interaction as much as possible. See you in the comments!
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