Red Wings Add Bertuzzi Before Deadline

The Detroit Red Wings acquired Todd Bertuzzi from Florida just before Tuesday's NHL trading deadline, adding the tough forward they wanted for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

"Bertuzzi is a huge, talented man that adds the dimensions of size and skill that we need on one of our top two lines," Detroit coach Mike Babcock told The Associated Press. "We'll give up a first-round pick if there are a lot of conditions met, such as us winning a lot in the playoffs and him helping us do that. We'd be happy to give up that pick."

The Panthers acquired forward Shawn Matthias and up to two conditional draft picks in the deal. If Bertuzzi signs with Detroit when he becomes a free agent after the season, the Red Wings will part with one pick this year and another next year.

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Bertuzzi hasn't played since he had lower back surgery in November _ after being sidelined for more than two weeks by a herniated disc. He has a goal and six assists in seven games after being acquired last summer in a trade that sent top goalie Roberto Luongo to Vancouver.

While playing for the Canucks in March 2004, Bertuzzi sucker-punched Colorado's Steve Moore in the head in one of hockey's ugliest episodes. He served a 17-month suspension.

On Monday night, the Red Wings acquired forward Kyle Calder in a three-team deal for forward Jason Williams.

"Our focus all along was to be a harder team to play against, and both Bertuzzi and Calder will help us do that," Babcock said. "There are no guarantees, but the front office led by Kenny Holland and Jim Nill has given us a better opportunity to be successful."