2009-10 Canes Country Exit Analysis: Tuomo Ruutu
by Bob Wage on Jul 12, 2010 1:17 PM EDT
in 2009-10 Exit Analysis
27 comments
We stepped away from our year end "exit analysis" reports for the past couple of weeks as draft coverage and conditioning camp coverage took precedent, but it's time to get back to our end of season grading of the players. (When finished with the players, we will then move on to the coaching staff and general manager.)
Here is a listing of the players who have previously been graded along with their results:
- Tim Gleason A
- Sergei Samsonov C-
- Rod Brind`Amour D
- Chad LaRose B-
- Manny Legace B
- Joni Pitkanen B+
- Ray Whitney B
- Erik Cole D+
Next up is forward Tuomo Ruutu.
This past season is probably one that Tuomo Ruutu would like to forget. He missed a total of 25 games during the year because of a variety of injuries. (He also missed three games due to a league mandated suspension after a hit on Darcy Tucker). His point totals were not the greatest, (54 games, 14 goals, 21 assists, 35 points, -4 plus/minus).
The player also had to undergo major shoulder surgery at the end of the season. Early reports indicate that he will be ready to start next season, but shoulder surgeries are touchy and sometimes can be difficult for players to quickly recover from.
The Good: Ruutu can always be counted on to play with fire and determination. Even though he missed a total of 28 games, he still finished third on the Hurricanes with 156 hits. (Tom Kostopoulos had 160 and Andrew Alberts 178). His total of 35 points was seventh best on the team and his .64 point per game average was sixth best.
Ruutu played through several injuries and even though he seemed less than 100% for much of the season, he gave it his all. When the Hurricanes had a rematch with the Colorado Avalanche and he was challenged by Tucker, he did the honorable thing and dropped the gloves, although in retrospect he probably threw his shoulder out in the fight and might have been better served to skate away from the challenge.
The Bad: Ruutu can be reckless at times and his three game suspension because of his illegal hit struck the team at a horrible time, right in the middle of their 14 game losing streak. The Hurricanes need more point production from him, but in order to do that he needs to stay healthy. Is that possible for this player? He was able to play in 79 games in 2008-09 but has had issues with injuries most of his career.
The Money: The Finn still has two years remaining on his three year deal he signed at the end of the 2008-09 season. His cap hit of $3.8 million is fourth highest on the team. He will earn $4 million this season and $4.4 million the next.
Discussion: Based upon his salary and your expectations, what grade would you give to Ruutu and why? Should he continue to sacrifice his body with borderline reckless play, or should he hold back a bit to try to keep from being injured as much?
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Eh, he was pretty much getting an ‘A’ from me as soon as he showed up for a training camp photo shoot wearing a “Let’s Go Get Wet” t-shirt. He gets to keep it for playing every shift with heart even when he probably shouldn’t have been on the ice for some of those shifts.
But I suspect if you asked him to grade himself he wouldn’t rate last season all that well.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
Not as charitable
I gave him a D. Once a power forward starts with injuries, they seem to pile up. ( Can we say Eric Cole). The penalty, and follow up fight added to his lack of time with the club. Our problems with more physical teams have been duly noted. His absence made the problem worse. I really hope he can learn to play with a little less abandon, and hopefully, stay healthy. He is definitely one of the most popular, and charismatic Canes.
I wanted to give him an incomplete, but he played over half the season, even if it was while being injured. Although to be completely fair, .64 pt/game ratio is barely lower than his career high in 2008-09
You know, in retrospect, I would have given him a B. The way he took responsibility for his hit against Tucker is rarely seen now-a-days and that just rocks my socks off. Way cool.
A (like there was every a question...)
every player on last year’s roster would love to erase it from their stat books and memory. Even Jussi who had a career high season said he would give it up to make the playoffs and have a better team record. With that being said…
I feel the use of the word “reckless” is unfair to use with Ruutu (Tuomo that is) – this is also the same word that is often used to describes Ovie’s style of play. While the hit on Tucker was questionable in timing (split seconds) I do not believe it was in intent. That was the 1st disciplinary action that has been reviewed by or given by the NHL in regards to Tuomo, while Ovie has had several "reckless" hits.
He is a hard hitter, no doubt about it and he does sacrifice his body but I do not think it is “reckless”. He was acquired because of those attributes and b/c he adds “grit”, so I do not feel it is fair to penalize him for something he was "hired" to do. Will it eventually cut his career shorter than average…perhaps and most likely.
Injuries (which comparing him to Cole is not a good example) did hinder his production on the stat sheet. I think he brought it to the ice 100% even if he was not at 100% physically. And at the ultimate low point when there was no "apparent" leadership (LA Kings post game) he was the one that came out and faced the music with media/fans and emotionally answered the questions and even took some of the blame upon himself. THAT kind of SISU is something that is not found on the stat sheets. We were paying Roddy, Eric and Ray for that type of leadership during those hard times but we didn’t see them too much during those times…
Was it his best year, no, he probably played through a lot more injuries that we even knew about. Especially with it being an Olympic year. Ruutu played with heart, SISU, never slacked but unfortunately that is not always reflected on the stat sheet.
RAKASTAN SUOMEN!!
I agree wholeheartedly that Ruutu does not play with the intent to injure. (I used the word reckless in the same sentence that I mentioned his hit on Tucker, but it’s probably not a good fit there.)
When I used the term “borderline reckless” in the way he plays, I meant the way he throws his own body around, seemingly without regard of causing himself injury.
Editing Manager of CanesCountry.com
Bob I didn’t really think you didm just the word didn’t sit well. Reckless has been thrown around so much this past season during discussion and analyzing questionable, ill-willed hits.
However, yes I do agree he does throw his body around, shall we say sacraficially and as I mentioned that it why he was aquired and it will most likely will end his career sooner rather than later. (my <3 breaks just thinking about it)
Also, I do remember that after the hit on Tucker folks wondered if he would change his style of play and many did not want him (including the coaching staff) to so I still feel it should not be a negative against him…at least it was not in my grading.
RAKASTAN SUOMEN!!
Question for the group as it relates to his recovery from the shoulder injury…
There’s been some speculation about putting him in the third line center role. Some folks have been concerned that he wouldn’t get enough ice time in that slot, although I’m not sure I necessarily agree if you could increase third line minutes plus power play, etc.
Does that scenario help in terms of easing him back from a recovery perspective? I’m not all that smart when it comes to understanding all the nuances of the roles, and I know a center has a different role from wing in terms of positioning and also the faceoff role, so I wasn’t sure if that added responsibility would offset the drop to a line that plays less minutes and potentially would face a different defensive unit.
Just curious…
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
My thoughts on this are based on LeCavalier and the Flyers’ Blair Betts, both centers troubled by shoulder injuries (Vinny for a couple years, Betts during the playoffs this year). Certainly performance on the faceoff is very much about shoulder strength (and legs I’d think) and so a fragile shoulder is an issue there. However, let’s hope that Ruutu’s surgery has cured the problem.
I’m sure other have better insight on this, but these are the comparisons that leaped to mind with your question.
Twitter @HMof2
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 12, 2010 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Ruutu as a wing plays a very physical game. As a center he could play an equally defensive game but rely more on positioning and less on hitting. That could maybe help him ease back in to his role. That said, it’s up to the player to accept that role on the ice. If he still hits with his shoulder or has to go hard in to the boards then it won’t matter much.
Is it possible to be addicted to hockey?
Although Mo’s bound to have everyone everywhere at some point in the season, I’m willing to bet that Ruutu is not our third line center next season, although capable of performing that duty, if needed.
Primarily I believe this will be the case because we have too many others to audition in this third line center position for him to be added to the mix. Plus, life might be a bit easier for Tuomo on the wing instead of at center ice. And, if not easier, at least simpler, as there is a bit less defensive pressure and offensive options, allowing him to concentrate on what he does best…the power forward role.
I voted for a grade of “C”, with the thought of “well, it was about an average year for him” in mind.
Although he had a $3.8 cap hit, the actual money sent his way for ‘09-’10 was only $3M, as the contract is back-loaded with raises over the next two seasons ($4M/$4.4M).
With only 54 games under his belt for last season, his hits per game were on par with Alberts and actually led the team, so certainly performance as advertised there.
Point production was down a bit and less than expected for that salary range. Comparably compensated forwards are all over the map. However, using PackPride17’s often mentioned Patrick Sharp as a comparable forward yields a guy that was paid $4M last season, has a similar cap hit ($3.9M), and chalked up 66 points in 82 games for a 0.8 ppg rate, compared to Ruutu’s 0.65 ppg rate.
Nonetheless, I awarded intangible points for the SISU factor and the leadership attributes so clearly demonstrated. Certainly his face was available for aftergame interviews, regardless of outcome.
We’ve yet to see a breakout year from him, but he held his own with his trade buddy, Andrew Ladd, who only managed 3 more goals and three more points in an 82-game season.
All in all, about an average season for our soon to be $4M/yr power forward, so a grade of C with expectations that we will see more from him this coming season.
Agreed
I gave him a “C” as well. The main reason for this grade is because of his time missed and his performance, or lack thereof, in relation to his salary. I’m a big Ruutu fan, but paying someone about $3M for 35 points isn’t exactly a steal. But because I like him so much, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt because he played with some nagging injuries.
Now that being said, I think some pressure is on him next year (and the following year) because he needs to prove that he is worth $8.4M over the next two seasons. I won’t be happy if he puts up another season like he had last year. That simply won’t cut it.
However, I do think Ruutu will have a productive season. I don’t think he should change his style of play because that’s who he is. He’s gonna have to figure out how to stay healthy while staying physical and putting up more points. But because I’m a big fan of his, I’m sure he’ll have a good season and I’ll look forward to giving him an “A” this time next year.
by DesertCaniac on Jul 12, 2010 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Voted A
Ruutu is the Canes best power forward. I am looking forward to an 80-point season from our most fearless Finn. My A is for his heart and hustle.
Voted B, Considered A-
I thought Ruutu took a few unnecessary penalties last year at unfortunate times. Other than that, I thought he played very well until his shoulder injury became too much.
I’m not sure I understand how these grades are supposed to work. I’m in the camp that wouldn’t give low grades for missing games due to serious injuries or playing hard when injuries mean you can barely play. When guys get broken legs, broken necks, separated shoulders and major lacerations playing their hearts out for the Canes, it seems unfair to downgrade their performance for the season.
It’s kind of like giving poor grades for physical performance to dead men. Dead men’s hearts have stopped beating and they’ve stopped breathing, but why give them Fs on pulse rate and respiration? Why not just acknowledge that they’re dead? If a guy gets killed winning a Congressional Medal of Honor, I wouldn’t cancel the medal because he’s dead. I’d say he gave everything he had and the medal is his even if he can’t walk up and get it pinned on his chest.
One of Ruutu’s shoulders wasn’t working. It makes more sense to say Ruutu was injured than that he did a bad job. He gave his all and played well before he got hurt. He gave his all even though his performance suffered after he got hurt. That deserves a high grade.
If you choose to lower Ruutu’s grade because he got hurt, I think you still owe him a high grade for character and heart for trying to play with one functioning shoulder. As Abramsdoug pointed out, character and heart are among the qualities that the Canes prize. If so, those qualities should factor into Ruutu’s grade for last year.
Did Ruutu deserve his pay? In my book, he did. He played his heart out and played well before the injury. He played his heart out and played to the best of his ability after the injury. He played in pain when he could have walked away like a spoiled millionaire and still collected his full check. I think he earned his pay.
by curiouscanesfan on Jul 12, 2010 7:33 PM EDT reply actions
Because dead guys wouldn't try to (or be expected to) suit up for an NHL team that's paying them millions of dollars.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2010 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Ruutu
I am of the school that a player who gets hurt playing hardnose hockey doesn’t get marked down for his performance for the year. I gave Ruutu an A for the games he played and particularly so for being able to maintain that level of play while hurt.
Ruutu is the heart and soul of the Hurricanes. From the moment, he ran onto the ice at the RBC, the entire tenor of Hurricanes hockey changed. He has had to carry too much of the hitting load for the Hurricanes; and when he is not on the ice, the Hurricanes level of physical play drops. We need a healthy Ruutu for the team to have its best shot at the playoffs. I am hoping that Cole will be healthy and that he can bear more of the hitting burden. Bowman has taken on a more physical, checking role as well.
When I think of Hurricanes hockey, Ruutu, Sutter, and now Boychuk come to mind. They play hard and want to win one on one every shift, and they have excellent skill to go with their heart. I put Jokinen in that group, with his somewhat subtle level of mean streak and I think Bowman is well on his way to showing he too plays with an edge.
Brind’Amour blew out his knee playing hardnose hockey. Did you give him equal treatment?
Is it possible to be addicted to hockey?
I rated both pre injury in injury season
It is an important point. In the injury season, I judge players pre injury if they are knocked out of the lineup. In subsequent seasons the players are all judged by their performance.
Sent via Iphone
Solid B-
His on-ice effort is never in question, in my mind. He appears to have better balance this year and maybe that’s better (or different) conditioning techniques here in Carolina. I’d like to see him be a more consistent presence in front of the net, getting dirty goals and tip ins. He feeds off his physicality, so I don’t know how realistic it is for him to “play safe” and decrease potential injuries. I’d think that would effect other aspects of his game. Bottom line: he needs to score more.
Oh, and I gave him extra credit for having a great smile and blue eyes.
Twitter @ ivyleager
I gave him a C.
People want to give him a pass for his injuries, but they’re a part of a game, and even when he was healthy, he didn’t play up to the standard he had set in his previous years here.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
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