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Bertuzzi interests Wings

The Red Wings might have to put up a "Welcome Back" sign at Joe Louis Arena.

Less than two weeks after signing former Wing Jason Williams to a one-year deal, the Red Wings signed Todd Bertuzzi, who played with Detroit in 2006-07.

Bertuzzi's contract is for $1.5 million for one year.

"Todd Bertuzzi gives us size," Red Wings president Ken Holland said. "He can play on any of the top three lines. He shoots left, he's probably most comfortable as the off-wing on the right side. But he's a big power forward and he can play with skill guys."

With Calgary last season, Bertuzzi had 15 goals and 29 assists and was a minus-13 in 66 games.

The Red Wings are working to replace the offense they lost when Marian Hossa (40 goals, 31 assists), Mikael Samuelsson (19 goals, 21 assists) and Jiri Hudler (23 goals, 34 assists) accepted offers from other teams.

"We lost about 90 goals with the people who left," Holland said. "We're trying to create more depth up front."

Bertuzzi, who turns 35 in February, had two goals and two assists in eight regular season games with the Wings. In 16 playoff games, he had three goals and four assists.

His best NHL season came in 2002-03 with the Vancouver Canucks, when he scored 46 goals and 51 assists.

Holland admitted that the Wings are currently over the $56.8 million salary cap for the 2009-10 season.

"We've got Andreas Lilja who's not 100 percent," Holland said. "He was hurt in February, six months ago. We don't know whether he'll be ready for the start of the season. Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader, in the short term they can be sent to the American (Hockey) League to get out of a situation."

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While the club still is holding talks with unBertuzzi interests Wings
The Red Wings might have to put up a "Welcome Back" sign at Joe Louis Arena.

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