Right wing Todd Bertuzzi skated with his Panthers teammates today for the first time since he had back surgery Nov. 2. But don't expect him in a game any time soon.

Bertuzzi, who has been sidelined for 43 games, participated in an hour-long practice and will take part in the morning skate before tonight's home game against the New Jersey Devils.

But neither coach Jacques Martin nor Bertuzzi, 31, would guess when he might return to the lineup.

Asked if a two-week target date was realistic, Bertuzzi responded, "No. ... I can't say no for sure, but I don't know. I'm just going to have to judge on how I'm feeling and how I recuperate.

"I don't want to be playing a game and sitting out a game. I don't want to get into that routine. I'd rather just come back where I'm OK enough and healthy enough to play consecutive games."

Martin said he might know more after Bertuzzi is examined today by Dr. Guillermo Pasarin, who performed the surgery.

"Probably the next step is how he reacts to being on the ice," Martin said. "We'll see how he feels."

Bertuzzi showed no ill effects today, although he was understandably gassed as he left the ice.

Bertuzzi, who has played in only seven games this season, said his back feels fine when he's skating at full speed, but struggles with his initial two or three steps.

Eveyone figures Bert would be hard to deal coming off surgery. Also he will be a free-agent in July.

John