Penguins trade rumors: Pens interested in bringing Jarkko Ruutu back?
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 2, 2009 1:08 PM EST
Email
PrintShort tidbit from ESPN's Pierre LeBrun:
We got word overnight that the Pittsburgh Penguins have held talks with the Ottawa Senators about reacquiring pest Jarkko Ruutu. We're not sure if this is going to go anywhere, but it's interesting to see the Pens (if our source is correct) even entertain the idea. This is a team that lost lots of sandpaper last summer when Ruutu, Ryan Malone and Georges Laraque all flew the coup.
Pensburgh take: don't believe it. The Pens were interested in signing Ruutu, but they didn't want to give him a third year on a contract, so Ruutu went to Ottawa (who did give him the 3rd year).
The Penguins just added a player in Chris Kunitz that plays physical in the corners, and also have guys like Tyler Kennedy and Matt Cooke on the top three lines.
A couple weeks ago it looked like the Pens could have used an infusion of energy and the spark that a pest like Ruutu can provide. At this point though, he's not needed and his contract figure still can't be appealing to Ray Shero.
If the Pens and Sens are talking though, perhaps they could work something out involving a guy like Antoine Vermette, as we have suggested here before.
7 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
If we’re still shopping the trade market, look for scoring. I agree that a Vermette makes more sense here than Jarkko Ruutu, but I’d stay steadfast for now. The team has played well recently, and perhaps the right piece was added.
Though, I thought Jarkko was hecka fun with the Pens. Who doesn’t remember him skating down the ice soccer style with the puck?
I don’t think the Penguins need Ruutu anymore, Matt Cooke is pretty much the same player, but maybe Ruutu is a little pesty-er while Cooke has a little better hands.
Ruutu this year: 5g, 10a, 112 PIM
Cooke: 8g, 14a, 71 PIM
Need I remind anyone, Ruutu also has that penchant for taking penalties at terrible moments of crucial games.
Not to mention suspensions from time to time.
I don’t think the Pens will make a move for Ruutu. The team is just starting to make the most of everything, so I’m starting to wonder if the Pens will even be as active as other teams by the deadline. Minus the Kunitz/Whit trade of course.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com
I liked having Ruutu on the team
and would welcome him back for the right price…
but we can basically get a Ruutu-type player and not give up anything for him, by claiming…. Sean Avery off waivers… /duck
I might not like Avery that much… but it would be fun to have him around.
Avery comes with a pretty hefty long-term price tag, though: Three more years at $4M apiece. Ruutu, on the other hand, has just two more years at a modest $1.3M.
For that reason, though, I’d be disappointed if the Sens dealt him; especially if they’re going to trade Chris Neil by the deadline.
by Peter Raaymakers on Mar 2, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
I know the Stars pick up half the salary..
but for how long do they do that? Is it just one year or for the entire contract.. if it’s the entire contract, then 3 more years at 2 mil per would definitely be worth it.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Marek Vs. Wyshynski Radio: Dave Bidini; NHL players and food; greatest trades never made
- Puck Daddy chats with John Tavares about all-star season, commitment to Islanders and Nassau Coliseum as a ‘dump’
- Thus ends the incredibly odd NHL journey for Mike Comrie, a.k.a Mr. Hilary Duff
- Should Zac Rinaldo earn suspension for Jonathan Ericsson hit? (Video)
- What We Learned: In which Capitals Coach Dale Hunter uses plus/minus to bench people
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Jets deal minor-leaguer Riley Holzapfel to Ducks for Maxime Macenauer
- Coyotes goalie Smith named NHL first star after recording four wins last week
- Oilers sign veteran D Sutton to 1-year extension
- Struggling Wild call up Scandella, Foucault from minors; team has used NHL-high 38 players
- Struggling Wild summon 2 more players from minors
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
