Todd Bertuzzi Cleared to Light Skate

[kfkorn]

Florida Panthers right winger Todd Bertuzzi, who had surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back Nov. 2 and was expected to miss six to eight weeks, has been cleared to resume light skating, according to multiple reports out of South Florida on Wednesday.

Acording to a report on the Miami Herald's Web site, Bertuzzi is only cleared to skate for "balance and body awareness" and isn't ready to practice with the team yet.

Bertuzzi can skate for 'balance and body awareness'

I take it this is good news for Panthers fans.

[kfkorn]

An update:

Florida Panthers winger Todd Bertuzzi could miss another 4-8 weeks while recovering from surgery on his injured back, coach Jacques Martin said.

Bertuzzi hasn't played since Oct. 18 and had the surgery on Nov. 2. He was originally expected to miss 6-8 weeks from the time of the operation and was cleared to resume light skating Wednesday, but the Panthers are choosing to play it safe.

Panthers staying 'conservative,' will keep Bertuzzi out

Nothing wrong with playing it safe.

[mets2k]

Coach Jacques Martin expects Todd Bertuzzi to begin practicing with the team in mid-February.

Should Bertuzzi stick to this timeline, he would return by late February. His initial recovery time was pegged at 10-12 weeks, which would be mid-to-late January. He looks to be almost a month behind schedule.

Source: Ottawa Sun

[JoseA]

The return of injured Florida Panthers' right wing Todd Bertuzzi has been delayed for at least one game for what coach Jacques Martin described as a "setback" in rehabilitation.

Bertuzzi was expected to return Saturday but now won't play until at least Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Bertuzzi return delayed - Rumors - NHL - Yahoo! Sports

Looks like he will be out about another week, excited to see him come back and contribute to our team.