Tue, Feb 27, 2007 at 2:55pm

PANTHERS SEND BERTUZZI TO WINGS

The Detroit Red Wings acquired right winger Todd Bertuzzi from the Florida Panthers for center Shawn Matthias, a conditional draft pick in 2007 and a conditional second-round draft pick in 2008.

What does it give the Detroit Red Wings
With all the other major Cup contenders in the Western Conference loading up for the playoffs, Red Wings GM Ken Holland had to follow suit. In Bertuzzi, he acquires a proven top-six forward (when healthy) who can also be a major pain in the behind for opposing defenses. In fact, Bertuzzi was public enemy No. 1 in Motown while a member of the Canucks in the playoffs a few seasons ago. Because he's coming off back surgery, Bertuzzi could be the biggest wild card of the 2007 postseason.

What does it give the Florida Panthers
The Panthers didn't have much of a chance to retain Bertuzzi, an unrestricted free agent this summer, because they hardly saw him play with them this season. Therefore, they did well to pick up a draft pick (which could be a first rounder if Detroit re-signs Bertuzzi) and a solid junior prospect.

Fantasy impact