Bertuzzi Traded to Florida

Tonight, Todd Bertuzzi finds himself with a new address. The former Islander turned Canuck was traded to the Florida Panthers along with Alexander Auld, and Byran Allen for Roberto Luongo, Lukas Kraijeck , and a 2006 sixth round draft pick. With that, this ends two years of controversy. Bertuzzi found himself as one the league’s biggest bad guys near the end of the 2003-04 season, when Bert attacked then Colorado Avalanche center Steve Moore, in one of the most viscous attacks to date. The incident brought back memories of Marty McSorley’s attack on Donald Brashier, and other incidents just as bad. Moore has not been able to play hockey since suffering a broken neck, as he is still re-learning how to walk. Moore is still trying to bring a lawsuit against Bertuzzi for basically ending his career.

Although he was suspended for the rest of the season and playoffs, and not reinstated until after the NHL lockout, many believed that Bertuzzi still has not paid the price for ending a promising player’s career before his prime. When Bertuzzi came back at the start of this past season, he was greeted warmly by the Vancouver fans, but no where else. Bert continued to struggle through the campaign, having one of his worst seasons ever. Many believed that the stress from the incident took a toll on him, and a change will do him good.

Bertuzzi still has a lot to offer a team. He is still a gritty forward, who can make plays. However, one thing he has to watch is his temper. His career has been full of incidents, not just the Moore one, but others, including an incident in juniors where he kicked another player.

The other major name in this trade is Roberto Luongo. Luongo is an elite goalie; however, he has been without help in Florida, dubbed a "hockey wasteland" by unnamed so-called sports journalists. Like Bertuzzi, Luongo is a former Islander, traded to Florida to make room for current starter Rick DiPetrio. Luongo’s career has been nothing short of stellar, setting a NHL record in saves in the 2003-04 campaign. Not to mention that Luongo is set to take over the starting duties for team Canada after Martin Broudeur cannot do the job.

However, the names that will make the most impact that will be lost in this deal are Alexander Auld, and Lukas Krajicek.  Auld was a stellar goalie for the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League. The one thing that is holding him back right now is allowing too many soft goals, which a goaltending coach can help him. He has a great size and does look good on tough angle shots. The way to prevent the soft goals is to get him to stop flopping around in the crease. Auld may struggle in Florida initially. However, over time, he will gain confidence and help the Panthers in the ultra-tough southeast division.

Krajicek now has the world at his feet. This young, former first round pick, who was brilliant in Florida, but he will now have a chance to shine in Vancouver. He has a huge potential to become a power play quarter back, maybe of the style of Rob Blake. Although he is offensive minded, he needs to learn the physical style of the NHL game before he can really take off. However, if last season was any indication of this young man’s career, then we are truly witnessing something special. Krajicek could help himself by hitting the weight room this off season.

All and all, this trade, right now can be considered a draw. Florida picks up a gritty power forward, while Vancouver picks up their number one goaltender.