It appears as if veteran forward Todd Bertuzzi is not quite ready to hang up his skates just yet.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported today that Bertuzzi, who turns 40 in February, reached out to the Ottawa Senators and other unspecified teams in an attempt to secure a professional tryout.
Garrioch posted a tweet today about the situation, saying, “Todd Bertuzzi is looking for a PTO. Has called Ottawa plus other teams. #Sens.”
Bertuzzi spent last season with the Detroit Red Wings, where he posted nine goals and seven assists in 59 games. However, the team opted not to bring him back in an effort to make room for their younger players.
Regardless, Bertuzzi still thought he could contribute on an NHL team.
“Todd wants to continue playing,” said Pat Morris, Bertuzzi’s agent, over the summer. “He’s skating and is in great shape. We’ll see what transpires in the coming weeks.”
Selected 23rd overall in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders. He was traded to the Vancouver Canucks during the 1997-98 season, where he flourished in his seven and a half seasons with the team. His best season came in 2002-03 when he scored 46 goals and added 51 assists. Bertuzzi also spent time with the Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames.