VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- The NHL plans a hearing April
26 to decide on reinstating Todd Bertuzzi, who was suspended
indefinitely after decking Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore with a
punch that broke his neck, the Canadian Broadcasting Co. reported.
NHL spokesman Frank Brown confirmed Monday a meeting was planned
with Bertuzzi but would not say when, The Vancouver Province
newspaper said. Bertuzzi's agent also declined to reveal the date.
Bertuzzi, of the Vancouver Canucks, pleaded guilty to criminal
assault after the March 8, 2004, attack in Vancouver and was given
a conditional discharge in December 2004. He could have faced up to
18 months in prison.
Moore filed suit against Bertuzzi in Denver District Court in
February seeking unspecified damages.
Moore's attorney said at the time it was uncertain whether he
would ever recover completely from his injuries. The Avalanche did
not re-sign Moore, who is an unrestricted free agent.
Previously, Moore has said he won't stand in the way of Bertuzzi's
reinstatement.
But The Toronto Star reported Saturday that if Commissioner Gary Bettman asks for Moore's opinion, Moore now intends to answer. It's not clear how Moore intends to respond.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.