DETROIT -- Todd Bertuzzi is not the physical presence he was during his prime, but the Detroit Red Wings still value his size, strength and net-front ability.

They believe it would have cost more to replace him in the free-agent market than to re-sign him. So they’re happy he agreed Wednesday to a two-year contract for $3.875 million.

“He does a few things for us,” general manager Ken Holland said. “He’s a big body (6-foot-3, 225), he’s hard to knock off the puck in the offensive zone.

“He’s worked on his physical conditioning. He’s made a conscious effort to become a net-front presence. We got scoring chances because he’s in front of the net drawing attention.”

Bertuzzi had 18 goals and 26 assists in 82 games last season. He picked up two goals and nine assists in 12 playoff games.

“I think he’s found a home here,” Holland said. “He’s adjusted to our system and fit into our locker room.”

Bertuzzi will earn $2.25 million next season and $1.625 million in 2011-12. His salary-cap hit of $1.9375 million is higher than last season’s $1.5 million.

“There were some difficult times (during negotiations), but we hashed it out over time,” Bertuzzi’s agent, Pat Morris, said. “He enjoyed his opportunity here, they’ve enjoyed having him. (The second year) gives him continuity. His kids and his wife enjoy Detroit.”

The Red Wings have 18 players signed for $54.2 million (those projected to make the team).

They still have their restricted free agents to sign: forwards Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller and defenseman Derek Meech.

Holland also is contemplating re-signing veteran Kirk Maltby.

“One guy we have to make a decision on is Kirk Maltby,” Holland said. “I like Maltby. He’s been a warrior. I think he’s got some hockey left in him.”

They have some decisions to make, noting, “They all can’t be on the team.”

Reports indicate the salary cap will rise from $56.8 million to somewhere in the neighborhood of $59 million.

“We wouldn’t mind getting a veteran defenseman if the price is right,” Holland said. “If not, we got (Doug) Janik and (rookie Brendan) Smith. They’ll have a chance to compete for a roster spot.”

It doesn’t appear as if defenseman Andreas Lilja will be re-signed. Holland said he hasn’t spoken to him since the end of the season. Brett Lebda is not likely to be re-signed.

Holland said he might look to sign a gritty fourth-line forward or enforcer “that fits in at our price.”

They won’t have much to spend when free agency begins on July 1.

“We’re not going to be players on July 1, 2 or 3,” Holland said. “Later this summer we might explore some pieces.”

It will be a quiet summer, as most of their pieces are in place.

“I believe we’re a better team heading into 2010-11 than we were heading into 2009-10, with the addition of (Jiri) Hudler, and if we get better luck with injuries,” Holland said. “We got potential for a lot of growth on our team.”