Todd Bertuzzi

National Hockey League right winger Todd Bertuzzi plays for the Detroit Red Wings. In addition to his two NHL All-Star Game selections, he holds the NHL record for the longest suspension in number of days.

Bertuzzi began his professional career in 1995 with the New York Islanders. He went to the Vancouver Canucks in 1998, staying there until the 2006 season when he was traded to the Florida Panthers. Bertuzi had a short stay with the Red Wings in 2007, then played one season each with the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames.

Prior to the 2009 season, Bertuzzi signed as a free agent and returned to the Detroit Red Wings.

The Incident

During a March 8, 2004, game, Bertuzzi punched Steve Moore from behind, leaving him with a concussion and three fractured vertebrae. Since the act was considered deliberate by the NHL, Bertuzzi was immediately suspended indefinitely. He was unable to play internationally during the 2004-05 NHL lockout, then reinstated prior the 2005-2006 season. In addition to the suspension and fines from the league, Bertuzzi faced criminal charges in Canada for assault. He pleaded guilty in a plea deal that after completion of one year probation, would wipe the incident from his criminal record. Moore has since sued Bertuzzi and the league for lost wages, as he has not played professionally since the injury.

Internationally, Bertuzzi has represented Canada at the World Championships and Winter Olympics. Many saw his selection for the 2006 Olympic team as controversial as he was still on probation for the incident with Steve Moore.

During his first full season with the Red Wings in 2009-10, Bertuzzi played in all of their 82 regular season games. He added 18 goals and 26 assists, plus notched 80 penalty minutes. Bertuzzi also tallied 216 shots, finishing the season with a shot percentage of 8.3.http://redwings.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8459444