According to reports from TSN’s Bruce Garrioch the Sens and Todd Bertuzzi have been connected in talks of a PTO contract. Steve Warne further detailed this on twitter as a report from “Dans Les Coulisses” connected the Senators and Bertuzzi.
Hearing that the Sens connected with Todd Bertuzzi's people, kicking the tires on a PTO with Bingo. Not Ottawa. That's where it stands.
— Steve Warne (@SteveWarneMedia) January 5, 2015
Bertuzzi, a former olympian may best be known for an on-ice incident in 2003 involving Steve Moore; where a once promising career has struggled since. The potential signing would likely come as a depth deal for Ottawa and could give “big-bert” a chance to prove himself at a pro level.
Bertuzzi is set to turn 40 in early February, and after spending his last 5 seasons in Detroit, a new opportunity could allow Bertuzzi to focus on hockey and put any off-ice criticisms aside.
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A potential PTO comes as a near no-risk move for the Senators. Bertuzzi could help the AHL club and play pro hockey again. The Senators help out a client of Newport sports, but if they aren’t into bringing Bertuzzi in; It simply doesn’t happen.
A PTO essentially works as a day-to-day contract. A team can release the player at any time and has no commitment, the team also holds the right to sign the player (Bertuzzi) before anyone else.
The length of the PTO is a maximum of 25 games, where Ottawa could elect to keep Bertuzzi around, if Bertuzzi was wanted past the 25 game mark.
Ottawa (NHL) is currently dealing with injuries up front in Zack Smith and Chris Neil, but with Curtis Lazar coming back; the team will carry 13 forwards.
It isn’t far-fetched to think that Bertuzzi could sign with Ottawa on a PTO. Bertuzzi’s agent group, Newport sports has a strong relationship with Ottawa and if Bertuzzi is searching for a PTO, it’s a no-risk move for Ottawa.
UPDATE (1/5/14)
Some quick thoughts via Darren Dreger and Ian Mendes.
Luke Richardson tells @TSN1200 his Binghamton Senators team hasn't signed Todd Bertuzzi yet - but they are certainly open to the idea.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) January 6, 2015
Ongoing discussions between Todd Bertuzzi's agent Pat Morris and the Ottawa Senators over AHL tryout.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 6, 2015