Tuomo Ruutu Injured; Expected to Miss Three Weeks
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 14, 2012 6:12 PM EST
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Carolina Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu was on the ice for two shifts during Monday's game against the Montreal Canadiens before skating to the bench in pain, sidelined with an upper body injury and unable to return to the game.
After an MRI today, the team has reported that Ruutu is expected to miss three weeks recovering from his injury. Per Michael Smith on twitter:
@MSmithCanes: Tuomo Ruutu is expected to miss three weeks with an upper-body injury.
Ruutu currently leads the Hurricanes in goals (17) and has recently been playing on the Hurricanes top forward line with captain Eric Staal and Jiri Tlusty.
As an unrestricted free agent, Ruutu has also been one of the most discussed trade targets across the NHL as the February 27 trade deadline approaches in two weeks, or one week before Ruutu's expected return. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford recently stated that he is interested in re-signing the Finn to a contract extension, and talks were expected to continue this week.
The N&O's Chip Alexander has also published an update on Ruutu's injury which includes a quote from Rutherford stating that the injury will not impact the organization's plans to re-sign him.
Canes Now: Ruutu to be sidelined three weeks
The Hurricanes returned from their three-game road trip last night and did not practice today; practice is expected to resume tomorrow. The next game will be against the San Jose Sharks on Friday here in Raleigh.
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Per Darren Dreger
“Because of interest in re-signing him and now injury, Tuomo Ruutu is no longer a trade option.”
never another thought in my mind...
that he would be traded.
heal up, ruutu.
at least this gives one of the young guys a chance. :)
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
this is probably for the best (though it seems wierd to say it)
a long recovery, rest and possibly even a little drop in price.
plus allowing for a younger player to get some time, in this season that is already gone.
"a bit of love"
Unless it’s a shoulder injury, which the indications are it’s not, it shouldn’t lower his price. I think in reality it improves his bargaining position with the Hurricanes. This injury takes him off the trade market and therefore he can now raise his asking price because the Canes are now forced to compromise towards his demands or risk losing him for nothing. Where as before the bargaining position favored the Canes because of the threat of trade for a substantial return. Just my opinion and I doubt Ruutu is thinking this way, but I’d bet his agent is.
On a separate note it is just amazing that the Hurricanes managed to go from a top seller to most likely holding steady, ignoring a few smaller moves that net little in return (Spacek, Allen). I have no problem with the re-signing of Gleason and Ruutu (if successful) unless Rutherford/Karmanos stand pat in the offseason. If we still refrain from getting a top pair defenseman and a top line winger then what did we really accomplish other than remaining at the status quo? Nothing changes from this year, with the exception of probably promoting a few of the younger guys to the lineup, we remain a team just fighting to make the playoffs.
by HurricanesUNC12 on Feb 15, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
This injury takes him off the trade market and therefore he can now raise his asking price because the Canes are now forced to compromise towards his demands or risk losing him for nothing. Where as before the bargaining position favored the Canes because of the threat of trade for a substantial return.
This is exactly as I see it. This injury is too minimal to hurt his long term prospects but it is long enough to damage the salvage value, for lack of a better term, that the Hurricanes could get for him.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
In a matter of two weeks we went from being the top sellers on the market, with Ruutu and Gleason, able to get the most assets in return to now being able to maybe get a few third round pics( Spacek and Allen), some former Plymouth Whalers, and a used zamboni tire.
At least with Ru out of the line up for a while, there is a good chance they will be bad enough to play themselves in to picking second ( No one is catching the jackets ), meaning this season will not be an abysmal failure, just a run of the mill failure.
I believe in strength. I believe in unity. And if that strength, that unity of purpose, demands a uniformity of thought, word and deed then so be it.
by Douchebag St John on Feb 14, 2012 7:27 PM EST reply actions
I really though with Mo being gone the strive for mediocrity would go with him. I guess it really does start @ the top.
I believe in strength. I believe in unity. And if that strength, that unity of purpose, demands a uniformity of thought, word and deed then so be it.
by Douchebag St John on Feb 14, 2012 7:40 PM EST up reply actions
If poor performance was the ticket to success then Edmonton, Florida, And Toronto should win a Cup soon!
In Kirk we Trust
by Mullett on Feb 14, 2012 8:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Ask the Hawks how sucking worked out for them? If Tallon does not botch those offer sheets, the Hawks are the first Dynasty of the new era. Towes and Kane come directly from sucking it up and accepting that they were going to be awful for a while.
I believe in strength. I believe in unity. And if that strength, that unity of purpose, demands a uniformity of thought, word and deed then so be it.
by Douchebag St John on Feb 14, 2012 9:27 PM EST up reply actions
I understand what you are saying and don’t totally disagree, however It makes a difference when you have the financial capability to go out and sign exceptional talent like Chicago. I mean are the Rangers leading the conference without free agent signings Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards?
In Kirk we Trust
Only Edmonton ever committed to being bad. Florida and Toronto have always tried to avoid that, and as such stuck in mediocrity. Edmonton at least has a good young core to build around.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
As do we.....
I like our young core as well….Faulk, McBain, Skinner, Sutter, Murphy…..and Ward, Staal, Ruutu aren’t exactly old either.
In Kirk we Trust
I don’t agree with that last statement at all. Implementing a new system with a new coach that has players playing better and fans more excited seems to me like far from an “abysmal failure.” I’d say the first half of the season deserves that description, but hardly the second.
Going forward, if we want to attract talent outside of the draft (AKA players who have real choices) it’s going to be important to show that what we have now is at least good enough to compete. Tanking and drafting does not guarantee success. I’d much rather see good hockey for the next few months and our team grow together than experience loss after loss crushing spirits like under Maurice. One high draft pick may save us, but I sure wouldn’t bet on it, and it’s not worth the collateral damage to the players’ and fans’ enjoyment and confidence. (And the chances of getting any more money from PK when disappointed fans don’t buy season tickets for next year).
Of course, it’d be great if PK gave JR a little more room to maneuver. It’s hard to build a sturdy house when all you can afford is cheap particle board. As you say below, it does start at the top.
JR spent $4.25M on Tomas Kaberle last offseason. I’m actually scared what JR would do with more money, considering the 09-10 disaster when the team spent to the cap.
Fair enough
Although I’d like to get a bit of cushion from the cap floor so that we don’t have to overpay some players while bargain-shopping for others.
JR spent $4.25M on Tomas Kaberle last offseason. I’m actually scared what JR would do with more money, considering the 09-10 disaster when the team spent to the cap
Touche sir, touche.
I believe in strength. I believe in unity. And if that strength, that unity of purpose, demands a uniformity of thought, word and deed then so be it.
by Douchebag St John on Feb 14, 2012 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
I also don’t think the second half of the season has been an “abysmal failure”. The team is not going to compete for a playoff spot but they are starting to do the right thing by auditioning the kids to see who can do what. Finally. I like the new coach and what he’s done to resurrect Staal as a leader. I don’t really care if this team wins or loses (I have season tickets) I just want to see the compete, and its there consistently now. I can live with that for the remainder of this season and next. Then, I expect a playoff run but probably not before that point in time.
by playwithpride on Feb 14, 2012 9:08 PM EST up reply actions
I know an UFA winger this summer who would fit perfect with Staal for a couple seasons. :)
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
Not necessarily as he lives in Raleigh.
In Kirk we Trust
by Mullett on Feb 14, 2012 8:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Assume you’re talking about Whitney….doesn’t help long term, thus will only create the same issue we’re facing now, but in a few years, and that is only assuming Whitney continues to play in the fountain of youth. It is not uncommon for a player up there in age to have one good season and then completely drop off the next, therefore, making these signings even trickier. Not everyone is a 41 year old Herculean like Lidstrom.
I know...
Ray Whitney’s had a few pretty good seasons in Phoenix. This year, he’s playing pretty awesome. He’s good friends with Kirk Muller. He’s a veteran, and was a presence in our locker room before. He’d complement Staal or others on the first 2 lines. Sure, he might be up there in the end of the years of his career, but I still don’t think we have enough youth that are ready for a full season in the NHL yet from Charlotte. So sign him for 2 years, let him retire here. :)
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
by thebl4ckd0g on Feb 14, 2012 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed. No to Whitney. I loved the guy when he played here, but I can’t imagine we’d get the bang for the buck for signing him for 2 years.
"If you can't beat 'em in the alley, you can't beat 'em on the ice." Conn Smythe
by Winter is Coming on Feb 15, 2012 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
We'd get...
More bang for our buck with Whitney wearing 13 than Stewart wearing 13… :)
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
Maybe the price will be right this time around.Q
In Kirk we Trust
by Mullett on Feb 14, 2012 8:13 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I was watching the Yotes the other night (vs Chicago) and thought about Whitney and Skinner on the ice and in conversation. That would be quite a pair.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Feb 14, 2012 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
Would be nice for a year, but we really need to move onto younger top 6 forwards instead of falling back to veterans every time.
I agree. I wouldn’t be opposed to a 1 year deal for Ray, but this org. needs to have an eye to the younger players.
After thinking for some time, maybe a one year deal would work as long as we move one of our excess forwards (LaRose). We do need a veteran presence next year and I think he could do wonders to mentor Skinner (like Harrison with Faulk). But I also don’t want Whitney to hold up yet another roster spot for a prospect.
This only makes sense if JR is not committed or can not get any other younger top six forward to add to our mix. To bring in a new top six forward and add Whitney removes a spot for either Tlusty—who has earned his top line spot this year, or our existing prospects, or our newest draft choice…
Whitney would not fit with Sutter or the 4th line, so it’s top six or bust.
The Wizard could teach Skinner a thing or two. Jeff still needs to learn when to be superman and deke past 3 defenders and when to pass it or feather the puck in the zone. Skinner plays hard and shies from nothing but he still should be considered a smaller player in the NHL. Ray could really help him in that regard. Nice to see your post CC !!
Staal has not been the same without Whitney
until recently under Muller. His effort last night was perfect. We might be able to get the wizard back without spending a fortune. I still would like to see them package Allen and a signed forward for a real top 6 forward. But I don’t think we will get any takers even though Allen has been playing very well.
I'd say...
without Cole or Whitney. Staal needs a really good winger. I’d say we could get a discount deal re-signing Ray in the off-season over getting somebody like Parise.
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
by thebl4ckd0g on Feb 14, 2012 11:00 PM EST up reply actions
This sucks for Ruutu; this was his biggest professional opportunity to secure his financial future and/or get traded to a true contender, and this happens. Feel for the guy, he’s a gamer, hope it all works out in the end for him…
"Look into my eyes and repeat after me: I will vacation in Ontario. I will vacation in Ontario. I will vacation in Ontario..."
…all that said, JR NEEDS TO GET HIS HEAD OUT OF HIS *SS. He whiffed on Gleason, re-signing a guy we didn’t really need and missing out on any potential return in value, and now it looks as if he’s content sitting on anything else with a lineup that is pretty decent BUT is in no way a cup contender. This guy has got to start earning his pay during this hot and heavy trading season. If he doesn’t do anything, then Kirk Muller aside, this season has been an unmitigated disaster in terms of his general managership.
"Look into my eyes and repeat after me: I will vacation in Ontario. I will vacation in Ontario. I will vacation in Ontario..."
by Capt. Stinky on Feb 15, 2012 6:43 AM EST up reply actions
Parody is the Rule
I don’t think you have to change the entire engine on the car. Just a tune-up. Look at the standings. With the exception of NY and Boston the rest of the league is very competitive. NY is not at the top without Gabriok and Richards (UFA signings). If Gleason is sooo bad, how come he was one of the first players mentioned in trade talks. Same with Ruutu….What do other people see that you are missing?
In Kirk we Trust
I agree with you, but just so you know, I think “parity” is what you’re referring to here, not “parody”. Although conversations with Capt. Stinky do often fall into that latter category.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
Well, I guess this means that Ruutu & his agent will have plenty of time to negotiate a new contract now.
If they cannot work out a deal, this could be a big problem as we lose yet another player for nothing. I hope something gets worked out during Ruutu’s “down time”.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
I think this very unfortunate situation for Ruutu could work either way. They will have, oh 6 months or so to negotiate first with JR, then after July 1 with everyone. But with his past injury history and this one, other teams may be a little more cautious about the numbers they offer him if he gets to the open market. We still don’t know if it was a shoulder, but based on where Ruutu and PF were touching his body I don’t think it is. If it is a shoulder his open market value will definitely go down. Hopefully Ruutu will appreciate JR’s desire to proceed undeterred with a contract extension. JR does know the exact injury, so I also hope the offers are in line with Ruutu’s physical ability to play his game in the future.
Without getting too creepy about it, between the home/away broadcasts I think there’s enough visual evidence that it isn’t his shoulder. NHL on the Fly was showing parts of the Montreal broadcast last night when they were talking about him and they were zooming in on the hit and also showed shots of him on the bench with Pete that were more clear than the snippets we saw on FSC.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Hopefully
Ruutu heals up and takes a slightly cheaper deal with yet another injury. At the same time, maybe this will give the Canes the slide they need to deal off Spacek and Allen and at least get something at the deadline. If both guys get dealt, you give Joslin the rest of the season to get into a groove or to play himself off next years team. Also, you can call up Sanguinetti to see if he’ll ever have NHL caliber stuff. And keep the rotation of young guys for the next 3 weeks or so. I still would like to see Boychuck and Dalpe or Dadonov for at least 3 games in a row on the 2nd or 1st line to see if they can play with some NHL talent.
by The Gottfather on Feb 15, 2012 10:22 AM EST reply actions
Cut me off
And I hope the Canes are smart and let him take his time. If they say it’s 3 weeks, give him 4. There’s no reason to try to rush back (except to try to get a few more $$$ on his contract). Give the kids some extra time.
by The Gottfather on Feb 15, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
I am hoping to get a look at Dadonov. JR had indicated when they got him that he’d get a look in Raleigh. We’ve seen the others already.
Folks must be asking about him, because Paul Branecky tweeted this earlier today:
RT @PaulBranecky As for potential Dadonov recall, I think it’ll happen before end of year, but so far, others have deserved it more
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2012 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
Ruutu is going nowhere
Per ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun via Twitter
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/14648/trade-deadline-nash-smyth-ruutu-news
This stinks for Ruutu. Surprised another call up has not been named yet. And who plays on the first line? Do you move up Jokinen? That would leave Skinner centering two youngsters so thats not going to happen. I think this means LaRose is back on the top line.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Feb 15, 2012 11:14 AM EST reply actions
Michael Smith tweeted that they’re having a “limited” practice today over at RCI (no Staal, Ward, LaRose, Gleason, Allen), so I suspect that may have bought them some time on a call-up. Also won’t give us any indication of how the lines may shake out until maybe practice tomorrow.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2012 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
Michael Smith also tweeted (as did Chip and Maniscalco) that Skinner and Dwyer had a little dust-em-up in practice today. Gloves were dropped but I don’t think any shots were fired. Says it was broken up quickly.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Not for anything
but if you hit Skinner you get a one way bus ticket to Charlotte or possibly Columbus.
In Kirk we Trust
Drayson Bowman was also not at practice today, due to a death in the family. Unsure now as to whether or not he will have things wrapped up by Friday.
Sorry for all these piecemeal posts but such is the nature of the twitter.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 15, 2012 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
Eklund; so take it for whatever weight you choose
Eklund reports that Ruutu has a deep bruise and that teams interested in Ruutu are still interested in him; and the Hurricanes are still interested in signing Ruutu to an extension. For what it’s worth, a diagnosis of a deep bruise is consistent with the video clips I was able to find related to the hit and the treatment Ruutu was getting. To me, it never looked like the treatment of any shoulder injury I’ve seen.
Ribs possibly?
He had trouble breathing from what it looked like. Possible bruised rib?
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
Hard to know for certain of course; but patting the back, trouble breathing, could be bruise to lungs, ribs, or kidneys. MRI makes it sound like bruised ribs, but perhaps ribs in the back of the rib cage. All speculation. The good news is that it sounds as if there are no fractures. I can’t even begin to imagine how much bruised ribs or kidneys would feel when playing hockey.
We all won'y know until
He takes the ice in a yellow jersey ,and attempts a hard slap shot, After 3wks he should be able to fire the puck easily with a bruise ,if he can’t it’s likely a "slight’ separation with bruised ribs ,and they way the NHL teams cover up injuries that’s as soon as we’ll know the truth.
Have had broken ribs, bruised ribs and a spear to the kidney. Bruised ribs was by far the least of the issues and they would not quote 3 weeks. Kidney they would have looked for blood in the urine so doubt that too. Broken ribs take more of an impact than what we saw….. but 3 weeks is about right for those to come around. BUT by far the worst was when I had separated ribs….. result of a really well placed butt end( which I think may have been what happened on Montreal).What that is a tearing away of cartilage that connects the ribs to the breast plate. Took a month to heal and once back on the ice I was constantly reminded of it every time I gave or took a hit. Wasn’t until a full summer off that it fully healed. If that is what he has, he won’t be able to play his style when he gets back and his value to a playoff team is significantly reduced. My guess is that the trade option is now much less likely if teams do their homework.
So let’s hope that it is just a “deep bruise”…. because that can also come from a butt end (intentional or inadvertent) and there is no protection above where your pants rise and the bottom part on your shoulder pads. There are pad extensions that cover that area but most players discard those because they just don’t feel right.
Long after basketball days, I separated ribs playing football as a guest player on no pads somewhat full contact league (yes, pretty stupid). It was miserable; and took two months to feel right. I know hockey players are tough, but playing hockey with pain like that would be torture.
i’ve had my heart broken going on three straight NHL seasons now…
"Look into my eyes and repeat after me: I will vacation in Ontario. I will vacation in Ontario. I will vacation in Ontario..."
by Capt. Stinky on Feb 16, 2012 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
If Ruutu cannot be resigned very shortly, I think JR needs to trade him for what he can get. Then attempt to resign him again in the offseason.
I still wouldn’t mind taking a chance on Chris Stewart. He’s struggling in St. Louis and I read he is skating with the 4th line currently. Trade Ruutu for Stewart, giving the Blues a player having a pretty good year for their playoff run. Or maybe try to flip Ruutu to Boston for Jordan Caron. He’s a young power forward that has some potential.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
We already have the older brother. Personally I would pass, not sure he’s the struggling player the Canes are going to want to take on and he is an RFA at the end of the season. If they are going to trade Ruutu for a player I would like to see them get somebody with a long term commitment of some degree already.
by HurricanesUNC12 on Feb 15, 2012 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
The thing about Chris Stewart is that he IS a RFA coming off a poor year. His next contract might not be as good as he would like and that might be an advantage for a budget team like Carolina if he returns to form next season.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
by PackPride17 on Feb 15, 2012 6:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
As an RFA to maintain his rights they would have to make him a qualifying offer of $3.25 million heading into the offseason. I’m not sure the Canes need to make that type of investment in another “project player” who might return to form or might not. Especially as a budget team.
On the other hand if they wanted to invest in that type of player, someone like Dustin Penner who has grossly underperformed and is a UFA might be someone whose price is going to come down. However, I would still rather see the Canes pursue Parise, etc.
by HurricanesUNC12 on Feb 15, 2012 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
Stewart can agree to a different contract amount, it doesn’t have to be the price you listed. Remember Tlusty went from 850k to 500k to get a one-way deal. Either way, $3.25 million is a risk, but could be a nice reward for a power forward with 30 goal potential.
I wouldn’t touch Penner, I think his best days are behind him. And I would live Parise, but its less than a 5% chance he even considers us.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
by PackPride17 on Feb 15, 2012 7:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
How is Dustin Penner still a viable option in anyones eyes? The kid has a massive reputation for having no on or off ice drive. I hear constant reports of him being out of shape and none of his last few coaches of thought anything of him. I’ll take him if we can sign him for league minimum but that’s about it. I’d rather resurrect K. Adams than pay Penner any real money.
I understand the concern with Dustin Penner and I wasn’t necessarily suggesting he was a viable option. I was merely pointing out that if we wanted to take on project players he was someone who will be available at a lower price than his current contract. I would prefer the Canes stay away from project players period. As a budget team we need to stay away from investing money into these guys that may or may not rebound and may or may not have some potential. Yes, I understand thats all relative and to some extent you can never be too sure what you are getting. Did player X have a career season in his contract year, can he do it again, etc. The point I’m getting at is if we are going to be a budget team we need to be smart with our contracts and not throw money around on projects like we did this past offseason.
I agree I don’t think Parise will even consider us and even if he would I don’t think we will even be at the table with him.
by HurricanesUNC12 on Feb 16, 2012 8:23 AM EST up reply actions
The thing about Chris Stewart is that he IS a RFA coming off a poor year. His next contract might not be as good as he would like and that might be an advantage for a budget team like Carolina if he returns to form next season.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
by PackPride17 on Feb 15, 2012 6:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
one thing many of us haven't thought about is when Ruutu
returns..it will either be the week ending march 3rd or as late as the qweek begining march 4th…whre the canes start a protracted road trip…beging with the craps,sluggs and boltz…will we Caniacs see anything prior to that before the trade wire or not ?
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
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