Todd Bertuzzi’s chronic back problems will hold him out of Detroit’s game on Saturday against the Oilers, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Bertuzzi, 38, was in pain following the Red Wings’ 5-1 win over St. Louis on Thursday. The Free Press’ Helene St. James noted that Bertuzzi “could barely walk” after the game, the latest issue he’s had with a back ailment that’s plagued him over the past decade.
Detroit GM Ken Holland has called up Joakim Andersson from AHL Grand Rapids to replace Bertuzzi. The 24-year-old Swede has good size -- 6-foot-2, 206 pounds -- and appeared in five games for the Wings last season.
It’s unclear if Bertuzzi will miss just the Edmonton game, or Detroit’s game on Sunday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Kings as well.
Whatever the case, the injury is just the latest to hit Detroit, and has to be cause for concern.
Bertuzzi now joins Darren Helm (back), Carlo Colaiacovo (shoulder), Brendan Smith (shoulder) and Jonas Gustavsson (groin) on the Wings’ list of walking wounded.