Star winger Todd Bertuzzi of the Florida Panthers may opt for surgery to fix his ailing back.
Bertuzzi hasn't played since Oct. 18, missing the last seven games while receiving treatment and injections for a herniated disc. But it hasn't helped and the former Vancouver Canucks forward may require surgery, which could sideline him for six to eight weeks.
``There hasn't been a decision made quite yet,'' Panthers coach and GM Jacques Martin told The Canadian Press on Wednesday. ``Our doctor has spoken with him and his agent. A decision should be taken soon. He tried injections and rehab and it didn't respond. We should know by tomorrow what decision will be taken.''
Bertuzzi, acquired in the Roberto Luongo deal last June, has seven points (1-6) in seven games this season. He's earning US$5.27 million and will be an unrestricted free agent July 1.
The 31-year-old native of Sudbury, Ont., had 71 points (25-46) in 82 games with Vancouver last season, his seventh season with the Canucks. He has 224 goals and 312 assists in 717 career games with Florida, Vancouver and the New York Islanders.
