The star winger took part in Thursday's pre-game skate before the team's game against Columbus and was cleared to play against the Blue Jackets. The star winger, acquired by the Wings at the Feb. 27 trade deadline, hasn't played since Oct. 18 with the Florida Panthers. He had lower-back surgery in November after being sidelined for more than two weeks by a herniated disc.

The 32-year-old native of Sudbury, Ont., had seven points (1-6) with the Panthers after being acquired from Vancouver last summer.

The Wings acquired Bertuzzi in exchange for centre Shawn Matthias, a conditional draft pick in 2007 and a conditional selection in 2008.