Todd Bertuzzi (leg) won't play Thursday but he expects to play Thursday against Nashville. "I'll be ready to play tomorrow," Bertuzzi said Wednesday after he stayed on the ice for an extra 30 minutes once the team's morning skate finished at Joe Louis Arena. "I need another hard skate. I can't come in and not be ready to play a full 60 and be big down low and finish my checks." He has been sidelined with leg and back issues since Feb. 7.

Todd Bertuzzi is on the verge of playing again. "Bert is close," general manager Ken Holland told the Detroit Free Press Tuesday afternoon. "Decide after the morning skate." Bertuzzi last played Feb. 7 at St. Louis, where he left in so much pain he was hospitalized for three days upon returning to Detroit. Bertuzzi had to overcome both back problems and nerve pain in his right leg. He has been skating for nearly a month. If Bertuzzi doesn't play Wednesday night when the Wings host the Los Angeles Kings at Joe Louis Arena, the next opportunity comes Thursday against the Predators. The Wings, who are chasing a playoff spot in the Western Conference, finish the regular season Saturday at Dallas.

Todd Bertuzzi (leg/back) has yet to play since February 7. Bertuzzi is hoping to return this week but that is not a sure thing. It will be tough for the veteran as he will need to get into playing shape after missing two-and-a-half months of action but with only a week of the season remaining and the Red Wings currently sitting on the outside looking in at the playoffs, they could use any boost they can get.

Todd Bertuzzi (leg/back) will not play on Wednesday. Bertuzzi might be able to return before the end of the regular season. He's been limited to just seven contests in 2013.

Todd Bertuzzi (leg, back) could return to action this week. Bertuzzi has not played since Feb. 7. and is hoping to get back in action before the end of the regular season. At the age of 38, he really doesn't have much, if any, fantasy value.

Todd Bertuzzi is holding out hope that he can return to play in at least one of the seven regular-season games that remain for the Detroit Red Wings. "The way I felt today was probably the most positive sign I've had in a long time," Bertuzzi said after Friday's morning skate at United Center. "I'm trying my best to get back." Bertuzzi has been limited to seven games after injuring his back Feb. 7. The back is pretty much healed, but the pain shooting down the back of his leg is still there. It's pretty much 80 percent the leg," Bertuzzi said.

Todd Bertuzzi (back) won't play Thursday but he's expected to travel with the team to Phoenix. He's not expected to be back for Friday's contest at Colorado either, but he is making progress and has resumed contact drills at practice.

Todd Bertuzzi (back/leg) might be able to return within the next two weeks. Bertuzzi was participating in drills on Monday. He had an injection for his back roughly a week and a half ago that's supposed to be taking effect around now. "I just noticed it's getting better the last couple of days," he said. "I had a good skate yesterday and skated pretty hard and good today. Hopefully, things stay the course and hopefully get back in a week or so. But it's tough to say when you're going to do it. I don't want to go into the lineup and then come out of the lineup because there is an issue."

Todd Bertuzzi (back/leg) is continuing to skate. The bad news is that there's still no timetable for his return. He hasn't played since Feb. 7 and might not be healthy enough to play before the regular season ends.

Todd Bertuzzi (back) is still skating but is now having trouble with his legs. Bertuzzi has not played since February 7 and was held off the ice until recently to allow his wonky back to heal. But he is now having problems with his legs although it could be attributed to his back as well. "I can't get the legs to catch up," Bertuzzi said. "I can't skate fast. I can't skate hard. I can't move quick enough. The nerves must be inflamed. I thought I'd be doing better. You can't push off. There's no strength in the right leg. It takes time, but games are going by pretty quick." It does not sound like his return is imminent.