Former Detroit Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi is being discussed as the leading candidate to take the helm of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League, a move that would bring his distinctive blend of playing experience and coaching ambition to the junior ranks.
Bertuzzi’s coaching résumé includes a recent championship with the Cambridge Redhawks of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, where his leadership helped secure the Sutherland Cup, and the accolade of Eastern Conference Coach of the Year, underscoring his rapid rise behind the bench.
A controversial legacy resurfaces
The conversation around his potential appointment is underscored by a notorious episode from 2004, when Bertuzzi’s on‑ice assault on forward Steve Moore ended the latter’s career and sparked a long‑standing debate about player safety and accountability in the NHL.
After being released by the Red Wings following the 2013‑14 season, Bertuzzi has remained active in hockey circles, mentoring younger talent and exploring opportunities that align with his evolving philosophy, making the Greyhounds’ vacancy a natural next step.
If appointed, he would join a franchise that has previously benefited from the coaching pedigree of figures like Mike Babcock, whose own journey from player to coach parallels Bertuzzi’s trajectory.
The coming weeks could see a pivotal shift in the OHL’s coaching landscape, as a once‑celebrated enforcer seeks to rewrite his narrative through strategic leadership.