File Photo courtesy of the Vancouver Sun
Todd Bertuzzi said in no uncertain terms Monday that he does not wish out of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh (CP) -- Todd Bertuzzi has denied rumours he wants out of Pittsburgh.
"I wanted to put the fire out," the Penguins forward said Sunday in an interview with Pittsburgh radio WWCS, the team's broadcaster.
Bertuzzi spoke out after reading newspaper columns suggesting he has demanded a trade and doesn't get along with fellow Pens and GM Goffie.
"It's not true," said Bertuzzi. "I have never once asked for a trade."
He also said Pittsburgh "is a place that I hold close to my heart, I love living in this city, I love playing with this team and I love all my teammates and I'm enjoying myself here.
"I understand the business of our game and understand that trades do happen but it's not coming from me. I want to stay here and accomplish something that I started here in Pittsburgh."
Bertuzzi also pledged his allegiance to Goffie, despite the pair's conflicts over the weeks.
"Goffie's a great coach. Look at his resume, he's turned this team around, he's coached through a 11 game winning streak, and I think he's an outstanding coach," he said.
"You're not always going to see eye to eye with people, and sometimes it crosses. I have respect for Goffie, he's done a wonderful job here."
Bertuzzi has 4 goals and 13 assists for 17 points and a +11 rating in just 15 games for the Pens this season.
GM Goffie would not address the Rumors about shopping Bertuzzi for a #1 Blueliner, just saying " You gotta do what you gotta do to win."
Only time will tell how long Big Bert's stay in Pittsburgh will last, however GM Goffie would like to make all GM's aware he is willing to part with a top forward for a top dman!!
Bert Denies Trade Request!!
