Carolina Hurricanes Re-Sign Tuomo Ruutu to 4-year Extension
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 22, 2012 3:50 PM EST
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Destination: Raleigh.
The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Tuomo Ruutu to a four-year contract extension that will pay him $19 million over the course of the contract, with an average annual value of $4.75 million. The terms of the contract will pay Ruutu $4 million in 2012-13, and $5 million per year for the remaining years. According to Chip Alexander of the News and Observer, the deal also includes a no-trade clause for the first three years of the contract.
Ruutu was considered by multiple teams to be a prime target for acquisition leading up to the February 27th trade deadline, until Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford recently went public with the statement that he was making it a priority to re-sign the popular Finnish forward. Rutherford is not known for negotiating contract extensions during the season, but he made an exception to his policy earlier by re-signing Tim Gleason to a four year extension, and now has also locked up Ruutu.
Ruutu, 29, was drafted 9th in the 2001 NHL entry draft by the Chicago Blackhawks and was acquired by the Hurricanes on February 26, 2008, in a trade for Andrew Ladd. He was leading the team in goals scored (17) and was tied for the team lead in hits (106) when he suffered an upper body injury during a game against the Montreal Canadiens on February 13th, and is expected to be out of the lineup until early March.
The official press release from the Hurricanes follows.
RALEIGH, NC – Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has agreed to terms with forward Tuomo Ruutu on a four-year contract extension. The deal will pay Ruutu $4 million in 2012-13, and $5 million per season in the 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.
“Players like Tuomo are extremely difficult to replace, and it is very important for our franchise to keep him here long term,” said Rutherford. “Along with the physical elements and skill level that he brings on the ice, Tuomo is a popular leader in our locker room. We are very happy that he has committed to what we are building here, and is excited about what the future holds for the Hurricanes.”
Ruutu, 29, ranks second among Hurricanes skaters in goals (17) and fourth in points (30) in 57 games this season. The Vantaa, Finland, native is second on the team in hits (106) and tied for fourth on the team in plus/minus (+3). Ruutu played in his 500th career NHL game on Dec. 31 at Tampa Bay, and had a six-game point streak from Dec. 15-27 (5 goals, 2 assists).
Originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks with the ninth overall selection of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Ruutu has totaled 128 goals, 167 assists (295 points) and 498 penalty minutes in 517 career NHL games with Chicago and Carolina. The Hurricanes acquired Ruutu from Chicago on Feb. 26, 2008, in exchange for Andrew Ladd, and he has earned 187 points (80g, 107a) in 289 games with Carolina. He established single-season career highs in goals (26) in 2008-09, and points (57) in 2010-11, and made his Stanley Cup playoff debut in 2009, helping the Hurricanes reach the Eastern Conference Final.
Ruutu has represented his native Finland in 10 major international tournaments, including the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, when Finland won bronze. He was third among all skaters in goals at the 2011 IIHF World Championship, leading Finland to the gold medal.
Update 9:00 pm - A few articles about the trade:
tsn.ca: Ruutu agrees to four-year, $19M extension with Hurricanes
nhl.com: Ruutu extended four years by Hurricanes
ch.com: Tracking the Storm - Ruutu Sure He Wanted to Stay
WRALSportsFan.com: Ruutu agrees to 4-year deal with Canes
newsobserver.com: Canes Now - Ruutu agrees to four-year extension
newsobserver.com: Canes Now - At almost $5 million a year, Ruutu deal raises the bar
Puck Daddy: Hurricanes have made Tuomo Ruutu a $4.75 million forward for next 4 years
And finally from the man himself: Tuomo Ruutu Audio
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I think this is a good thing.
He’d be a tough player to replace with the way he plays. Especially considering what’s available out there.
Such a " Devil You Know " team.
So the team that might play its way into being 20th is essentially going to be the same next year. I think that’s a splendid idea /sarcasm
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 22, 2012 3:58 PM EST reply actions
Canes live in mediocrity, JR just doing the best he can.
Any impact player being brought in was a pipe dream, they don’t want to play for a dumpster diving team and PK won’t shell out the money to afford one anyway.
Maybe next year Staal will actually play like he gives a damn for a full season and we can sneak into 8th.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 4:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Didn't we say that two years ago?
One thing that gets lost in this discussion is how good the team played two years ago in the second half of the season. How many times was the fact they were the second best team in the NHL after the new year bandied about as proof the following season would be better? The answer is a lot, and the Canes once again failed to make the playoffs last season.
The fact of the matter is it’s easy to win games late in a season when you have nothing on the line. It’s be done under Lavioletter, it’s been done under Mo, and now it’s being done now under Muller.
I’m not opposed to the contract. If you look at my post about forecasting out the ability to afford Parise I had Ruutu at 4 years with an AAV of $4.8. He came in just under that. It’s not a great deal for the Canes, but it’s not a poor deal. IMO it’s a fair deal. But it’s also a deal to retain yet another piece of the core of a team that’s been to the playoffs exactly 1 time since the 2006-06 season. One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and anticipating different results. Well it looks like once again the team is deciding to stay on roughly the same course and hope for different results.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
by C-Leaguer on Feb 22, 2012 5:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
A big difference between the run then was that Maurice was using Laviolette’s system mixed with a more defensively responsible system. That system, combined with the energy injected by a coaching change, put them on the run. After that season, Maurice completely changed his system to his defensive system and the team never made the playoffs after that.
Now compare that to what Muller has done. There was no instant injection of energy persay – the team was losing games still for some time after he became coach. But as he started shifting over to his system, which I believe is similar to the Lavi/Maurice hybrid system in that the offense is fast and aggressive but defensively responsible, the team got better. And they still are getting better.
I think these are two different situations completely.
Not 2008-09
Not when the went to the playoffs. THe following year. 2009-10. When they sucked out loud in the early part of the season, lost something like 14 games in a row, and played well down the stretch. That was all Mo.
A similar thing happened in 2006-07. After a slow start to the season after winning the cup the Canes came on late, and actually had it within their power to win some games late to make it to the playoffs. Once they were playing for something important they crumbled again.
I’m not giving this team credit for wins in March unless they’re playing for something. I’ve done that before and it wasn’t indicative of play the next year.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
I don’t like the phrase “playing for nothing”. The team still very much believes they can make the playoffs and are presumably thinking that they have to win every game to get their. Sure, the pressure on them isn’t the same as if they were borderline 7th/8th/9th with Washington and Ottawa, but the pressure is still there.
Their competitors
They want to win. That’s great. If they didn’t compete they wouldn’t have made it this far. But they’ve seen the standings. They know where they are. 15th in the east. Sportsclubstats puts them somewhere between 2.7% and 4.0% to make the playoffs.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
By suggesting that the team is winning because the lack of pressure I believe is a disservice to the new coaching staff. Some of these guys are playing for their NHL livelihood and reputation. Their winning because they are out hustling other teams and have become much more defensively sound and productive on the power play.
In Kirk we Trust
And I saw that same thing two years ago. And a few times before that. I’m just not buying in yet. I’ve been burned way too many times.
Additional talent needs to be added, a good camp needs to be had, and a good start to next year needs to be had before I’m buying in.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
by C-Leaguer on Feb 23, 2012 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
C-Leaguer, I agree with your post. Just one comment. The key to not repeating the past will be adding the additional top six forward in the off season. If we do that, then we will be adding to our core rather than letting it diminish (losses of Whitney and Cole for nothing). If we add then we will be altering our course which is what I think you would like to happen. Good post.
by FoxtrotSierra on Feb 22, 2012 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks
I would love nothing more for this team to be better. I’d love to see a true contender, but even a playoff team I’d be okay. I think Ruutu can be a part of it. I think the possibility is there that the Canes can be back in the playoffs next season. I’m just not getting my hopes up yet.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
Wasn’t a Mo problem. As JJ may have been alluding to above, this season has been a Staal problem. He’s obviously a great player, but seems to have some motivationa(?)/mental/(?)l/fitness(?) issues, that have only allowed hime to play “great” in 10 or so of his team’s 60 games this season. I love the C’s play lately though, I just wish we’d seen it more.
Mo and Staal aside, I’m on the fence about this move only because, so far, this seems a lot like what happened last season. Mo had the team (the same team BTW) not far out of playoff contention, and they were arguably among the best teams in the NHL for the last month and 1/2 of the season until game 82. At the trade deadline JR stood pat, saying he liked the team he had in the locker room. And he was right, until they got beat by a damn good team on the way to the Conf. finals. This year, the team has been a basement dweller from less than a month in, and now again looks like they can play with anybody in the league (keeping in mind that they’re not facing many starting goalies). What’s not to like about this team? They’re competing and playing hard for each other – like a year ago. The answer to what’s not to like is, that both teams have put the organization to be a seller at the trade deadline for 2 years in a row.
The moves with Gleason and Ruutu are easy criticize because the team needs a shake up, and is easy to defend because both players are typically hard playing, hard nosed, disciplined players who are leaders on the team. If this team has lacked anything this season its been leadership, and it may be foolish to cut and run on a couple of players who are just getting into the seasoned vet catagory and let them be leaders elsewhere. Here’s to hoping that they become the leaders they look like they can be.
by 210beer on Feb 22, 2012 11:09 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Agree that he hasn’t been at his best all year, but don’t agree he’s only been great for 10.
by Cory Lavalette on Feb 23, 2012 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Guess you haven’t been watching them play lately. Consider what we have seen over the past weeks. Then factor in the potential addition of a true top 6 forward ( which slides some others down to where they should be) and an improved D, all combined with Mullers style of play and you have a team battling for the 4th through 6th spots in the East next year. I agree with those analysts that believe the Canes are only a couple of players away from being a true contender.
The team also has a good draft position. High 1st rounder. Two 2nds. Likely more to come with trades in the coming days. And some blue chip prospects in College and Juniors. Odds are one of the Checkers will have a breakthrough next year. Lastly, while local fans don’t seem to be seeing it, there is a real notice around the league in the vastly improved play of Tlusty. He is finally emerging as a potential top 6 forward.
Signing Ruutu is a good thing on several levels. Sends a major message to the team and to potential off season free agents. Yes, PK will have to loosen the purse strings but he has already given hints that he will do so. Compuware has been doing very well lately.
Sittler,
Impossible to disagree with Sittler on this one, unless you are an every silver lining has a cloud thinker. Canes have only 5 regulation losses in last 20 games. They have 25 of the 40 possible points in this stretch. That rate extended over the full season is 101 points. Yes the Nov/Dec reality is harsh and totally deflating. But having Ruutu is a hell of lot better than hoping to get someone as good as Ruutu.
Re-posting from above.
One thing that gets lost in this discussion is how good the team played two years ago in the second half of the season. How many times was the fact they were the second best team in the NHL after the new year bandied about as proof the following season would be better? The answer is a lot, and the Canes once again failed to make the playoffs last season.
The fact of the matter is it’s easy to win games late in a season when you have nothing on the line. It’s be done under Lavioletter, it’s been done under Mo, and now it’s being done now under Muller.
I’m not giving this team credit until at least July 1. Keeping Ruu at that price is nice, but it’s only a piece of the solution. It’s a worthless piece if nothing more is done.
I’m not opposed to the contract. If you look at my post about forecasting out the ability to afford Parise I had Ruutu at 4 years with an AAV of $4.8. He came in just under that. It’s not a great deal for the Canes, but it’s not a poor deal. IMO it’s a fair deal. But it’s also a deal to retain yet another piece of the core of a team that’s been to the playoffs exactly 1 time since the 2006-06 season. One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and anticipating different results. Well it looks like once again the team is deciding to stay on roughly the same course and hope for different results.
We saw this two years ago and it didn’t amount to anything. I think Sittler even mentioned at the time that it was easier to win games late that had nothing on the line.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
I did. But this it not that time. Teams are still battling hard (or should be) for playoffs spots and seedings.
Did we pay a lot for Ruutu. I think it was on the high side. But then again he is entering his prime and there just aren’t many guys who play his style of game and open up space for others. Whether you slot him with Skinner or on a re-emerging first line, I think we will play close to his contract over the coming years, provided he stays healthy.
One concern I have is JR handing out NTC like candy again. This did not work out so well for the Canes in the past, I had hoped he learned his lesson for good.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 6:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
To be fair, BOTH Gleason and Ru’s NTC’s expire in the last year of their deal. JR is not going to get Whitneyed again.
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 22, 2012 6:05 PM EST up reply actions
Just to clarify
Gleason’s expires after two years.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
It's possible
It’s possible this late season run isn’t the same we’ve seen before, but it’s sure shaping up like seasons past. Games against back ups. Staal all the sudden finding his game (who else is hoping the NHL season doesn’t start until Christmas next year so we don’t have to sit through the annual Staal slow start?).
I’m just not buying this story again. Not yet. Give me games in March were the Canes have something to lose other than top 5 draft position and I’ll re-consider. Until then, I’ve seen this story before and I’ve seen where it ends up.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
by C-Leaguer on Feb 22, 2012 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Everyone seems to think we are getting Ruutu + Gleason AND the 1st line winger and top-4 D that the team needs to compete. I just don’t see it happening,
I’d be thrilled if it did but given PK’s history I have very low expectations and foresee a quiet Summer ahead of us. The Draft is the only real chance I see to improve immediately.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 6:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I can see PK opening his pockets to get one of the two players, but I’m not exactly sure where that player is coming from. Outside of Parise, who surely is not coming here, the FA market is very thin.
Semin? Pass. Parise? I wish. Doan? Doubt he will leave.
The only player I really see as JR making a serious effort to get would be Whitney, and he would only serve as a fill in until the 2013 FA market or Boychuk/Dadonov/Dalpe finally reaches their potential.
I think there will be trade possibilities. Even if the cap goes up some teams may trade players this summer if there are ramifications in the following years due to a new CBA structure. There will also be teams that have a natural salary escalation that forces them to chose which players are kept and which are not. UFAs may be part of the approach, but they don’t have to be the entirety.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
I’m also wondering what the buy-out scenarios might look like at the end of the season.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 22, 2012 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
Who would you think gets bought out? Stewart’s the only one I can think of as a possibility.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
I’m talking about other teams, not the Canes.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 22, 2012 6:31 PM EST up reply actions
Good point
Yeah, players bought out from other teams could definitely be a target for the Canes.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
Better question: What buy-out victim would we really feel is worth spending money on? Typically you’re bought out because you’re not living up to your contractual value. If they were, they wouldn’t be bought out.
Whitney was a buyout guy. No one else wanted him and he resurrected his career here, all the more reason to be bitter about him strictly exercising his NTC, but that horse has been beat to death.
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 22, 2012 7:57 PM EST up reply actions
Ray Whitney was signed here before the new collective bargaining agreement was signed, he was a free agent when he signed in Detroit as well as here. He was not bought out by Detroit, just not resigned.
I get what you’re saying, but in today’s CBA era, buying out is only done in the most extreme conditions. There really hasn’t been a player that was bought out and playing phenomenally and turned the buyout into another solid contract.
Actually, Ray Whitney was bought out by the Red Wings via a compliance provision that was granted after the CBA was signed and the new cap went into effect.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 22, 2012 9:02 PM EST up reply actions
Not why people are bitter.
He had every right to veto anything he wanted. It’s the fact that he talked out of both sides of his mouth when claiming the importance of his family only to pick them up and move for a very small (relative) sum of money.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 23, 2012 1:54 AM EST up reply actions
Adding a true top-6 forward and a top-4 D would push this team into contention, I just don’t see the purse strings coming that loose. With everybodies escalating contracts, raises from RFA, and the pending Skinner re-up in the $5-6 million range most of that extra money already seems accounted for.
A top-5 Draft pick is the only thing that will really help this team within the budget and that prospect seems fleeting with how good the Canes look versus how bad everyone else around us is at present. Should be hoping for a top-10 pick at this point.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 4:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Jussi,
Which is it? The Canes are happy with mediocrity or we look much better than the teams we’ve been playing this year. Can’t be both.
The Canes have maybe half the talent and would have darn near 0% chance winning a 7 game series against the likes of true contenders (Detroit, Vancouver, Philly, Pittsburgh, etc.).
They are playing much better than the likes of Columbus, TB (who have sold off nearly every UFA they had), Montreal, Washington, Edmonton, etc. Which means a draft pick more like Boychuk and less like Staal.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 5:56 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You probably don’t consider Boston a true contender, even though they’re leading the Northeast Division. Oh, and because we swept them.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 22, 2012 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, and I left out the part about them being the defending Stanley Cup champions.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 22, 2012 6:00 PM EST up reply actions
The 'Canes were once the defending Stanley Cup champs.
And then they didn’t make the playoffs. What a team did before is no definitive sign of anything.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 23, 2012 1:57 AM EST up reply actions
Fair enough, my theory on Boston is that Staal actually puts 100% of his heart into each of those games as he hates Chara. If Staal played like that every game we’d win the Cup every year.
The Canes seem to play up to good teams and down to bad teams. Either that our the top teams are treating the Canes like a cupcake team. Who knows, personally I hate Boston so I have nothing good to say about them.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 6:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Don't agree
The Canes seem to play up to good teams and down to bad teams.
There is truly only one really bad team in the NHL…Columbus…..All others are very competitive. Look this isn’t like college basketball or football. All these teams have professional players and coaches…That is one of the attractions of the NHL is the competitiveness of the product. Every team has “bad” losses and “good” wins. I don’t think the ’Canes get a bye mentally from any team. Especially when they watch game film and look at their record over the last 10 games.
In Kirk we Trust
To an extent I agree. But keep in mind that the current availiability of 3 points per game (with a point allowed to the loser of an OT or shootout) artificially creates parity. For instance the Hurricanes, without the point for losing so many shootouts, would not be harboring any thoughts of still making the playoffs. Change to a more honest and reasonable, 3 points for an outright win, 2 for an OT win, and 1 for an OT lose and the league standings look way different, with more than just one standout bad team.
Couldn't agree more
Ruutu brings grit to the table and we got him for not a whole lot more than what we were paying him in his existing contract. I think all these players have seen the Muller system and are excited to be a part of it and want to stay.
I feel this team coming together under Muller and boy it is a breath of fresh air to come to the RBC Center and feel excited about this team again!
I’m pretty sure JR is making up for past mistakes by signing Gleason and Ruutu during the season..He lost Cole and he has seen the error of his ways!
I feel pretty confident that we will go out in FA and sign a top 6 forward this summer.
Then factor in the potential addition of a true top 6 forward
And
es, PK will have to loosen the purse strings but he has already given hints that he will do so.
This is the BIG if. I am going on past history, indicating that PK WILL NOT allow JR to send any money and will instead go after has beens and never wheres as has been custom. I truly WANT to agree with you, but simply can’t at this time. What happens between now and 3pm Monday as well as what happens after July 1st will either confirm or invalidate my opinion.
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 22, 2012 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
Love your perspective and your posts. Hoping for your invalidation in 12-13. Sneaking suspicion you’d agree.
Having been @ game 7, I would truly LOVE nothing more than to be wrong in this instance. My birthday is in April. I would enjoy having a playoff series with which to celebrate.
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 22, 2012 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
2012 Draft
Although I’d love to get both an elite UFA top six wing an d an elite defenseman UFA, I think one top tier UFA wing would make the Hurricanes a very competitive team in 2012-2013. I keep hearing hints that the organization is committed to signing a top tier UFA. I also think that the 2012 draft can add some very fine talent and possibly an elite forward. I also think among Dalpe, Rask, Galchenyuk or Forsberg, and Hofmann or Boychuk if he turns the corner in his game, the Hurricanes will have a forward emerge to add scoring forward.
If the organization is committed to signing a Top 6, are they willing to get into a bidding war with other teams? I know PK is supposedly willing to spend this offseason, but how high is he willing to go? I would love to see Parise playing here. I’m just worried that PK will shy away once the bidding for Parise (and other high end talent) begins.
The only easy day was yesterday.
Letting Ruutu walk or trading him for players that will most likely not have an impact in the NHL for another couple of years improves the team how?
This is my hobby. Don't insult it.
Proud VT fan currently at NC State!!!
by SouthernHockeyNutter on Feb 22, 2012 5:21 PM EST up reply actions
Keeping the core of a team that has been to the playoffs once in five seasons makes sense how? One out of six if they fail to make the playoffs again this year (a likely outcome).
The contract for Ruu is about exactly what I expected. The signing in and of itself I’m okay with. But this is by no means the end all be all. More work is to be done and I’m not giving a team with likely one playoff appearance in six seasons, or two in nine years, the benefit of the doubt here.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
Just my 2 cents:
I’d have to say the part of the core team that has been a problem in the last few years has not been Ruutu, especially this year once he got over his start of the season issues.
Ruutu is definitely a top 6 winger on all but maybe a few teams, and would probably earn top 6 on those as well. I really don’t think any return in trade from a buying team would equal what we already have in Ruu.
I think Tlusty is now playing like a top 6 foward and works well with Staal on the top line. Who goes on Staal’s right is still being worked out (core team issue 1).
Another issue we seem to have is who goes on Skinner’s line (issue 2), and can Skinner play a more disciplined game while not losing his incredible scoring/sniping ability (issue 2.b). I think the team needs a winger who can play like Ruutu to go with Skinner; so why not Ruutu? The other 2nd line player I think needs to be someone with speed who can cycle with Skinner or Ruutu, an assist king who can also forecheck and get back defensively (a new second line center moving Skinner to wing?).
So, the core issues up front as I see them are: who plays on Staals right wing, and who goes out with Skinner assuming Ruutu is one player. Jussi did fit in with Skinner and Ruutu last year and is great in shootouts (these players can be hard to find). But, I think Jussi could fit in very well with Brandon Sutter on the 3rd line (tho would hate to brake up Sutter/Nodl/Dwyer at the moment).
The team is very, very left handed oriented. I think only Samson, Dwyer, Rosie and Stewart shoot right handed. I liked how Stewart okayed the last couple of games, Dwyer is an energy forward who can pop in shorties, and I really hope the best for Samson.
Still, I think this team needs one good fast right handed winger who can play consistently on the first line with Staal. I just don’t see any out there for trade right now.
I think you make fine points
And I don’t want it to be construed that I think the reason that the team didn’t work is because of Ruutu. That said, sometimes teams don’t work. What looks good on paper lays a turd on the ice. I’m okay with Ruutu staying and I’m okay with the contract, but I think we need to examine the possibility that for whatever reason the core of this team isn’t working. One playoff appearance in six seasons, assuming the team misses the playoffs again this year, isn’t a reason to have hope.
Perhaps the better course of action in the long run is to tear it down and rebuild. It will make for some lean years, but I think, given what we’ve seen the last six seasons, there’s a chance it could lead to better and more consistent long term success
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
I don’t necessarily disagree.
Where I slightly deviate from the tear down is that I (armchair GM that I am) would just roll out a rebuild of the core in increments over 2-3 years versus a complete blowup.
For 2012/13 I’d look to change 2 of the top six up front for next year (keeping Staal, Skinner, Ruutu and either Tlusty or Jussi), and 1-2 of the bottom six (keeping Brandon, Nodl, either Dwyer or Rosie, and Tlusty or Jussi depending on who falls out of the top 6). I hope a top 6 could come from Charlotte and 3 players total move up. Maybe Staal, Tlusty, Dalpe? Who knows.
There are some pending UFA’s that do look moveable in the next 3 days, and maybe a player or 2 that is signed for another year or so could be moved as well. I think the Canes have to move 2 current D’s out and 3 current F’s out before next year’s camp.
Do you have a crystal ball? Seems to me we should wait to make this proclamation, since we have other UFAs right now, the trade deadline, the draft, and Free Agency. Just because we signed Gleason and Ruutu doesn’t mean there won’t be changes. Last I checked, an awful lot can happen in the many months before next season.
With Gleason/Ruutu re-signed at decent raises, Staal/Sutter/Rosie’s escalating contracts, Tlusty and McBain in line for about a $1 million raise each, Bowman getting a small raise, and Allen likely re-signed at $2-3 million per the Canes are already almost exactly at their current budget for next year.
With Skinner about to get a $3-4 million raise in a year and Faulk looking like a 1st pairing D, we can forget about bringing in any decent UFAs (much less a guy like Parise).
I guess JR wasn’t kidding about being happy with the current team. More of the same on the way.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 4:02 PM EST via mobile reply actions
You have a right to your views and opinions. The only fault I find with anyone who starts talking about the money we should spend on free agents is they do not specify what free agent we should and can sign. Parise isn’t going to sign with Carolina for any amount of money IMO. Neither is Nash, Carter, or any other FA whose name I have seen mentioned to possibly be available. JR is going to have to try to sign or trade for some forward(s) who are young and have the “potential” to develop into a top six player IMO. To get an established top six forward will also require a trade. The only way a trade for one will improve us is if the other team accepts a defenseman (top 2) and/or some of our young players from Charlotte and/or a high draft pick. I(n either case, we have to retain our top players and add to, whatever the cost, to improve. I believe JR and Mr. K will spend the money necessary to get us back into the top tier of our conference. The signing of Gleason and Ruutu is evidence they will IMO. If they wanted to go the dimestore route, they would have let those players go for what they could get for them. As a fan, I’m going to wait and see rather than assume management won’t do the best they can to improve this team.
by FoxtrotSierra on Feb 22, 2012 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Don’t know how long you have followed the Canes closely, personally i have very little faith PK will open up the wallet and JR will find the true top-line winger we need. I’ve been sitting in my GM armchair screaming for the past umpteenth offseasons watching the opportunity pass by.
JR could have just as easily realized they couldnt afford anything better and keep what we have to be safe (rather than lose our assets for nothing). When JR was talking about acquiring a top-tier FA it didnt sound to me like he also assumed he would re-sign Ruutu and Gleason as well.
Best thing that could happen is the addition of an NHL ready top-6 forward (Yakupov or Grigorenko). With most bottom barrel teams selling their assets and the Canes playing better, I seriously doubt we finish bottom-5 this year. Maybe not even bottom-10.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 4:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
There are probably only 3 NHL-ready forwards in the draft this year, and they will most likely be gone after the 3rd pick. Carolina, if it continues playing well, will not draft in the top 3. What wingers are available for the team to sign, Jussi? Not flaming, asking.
You reiterate my point of Draft pick.
FA forwards: Parise, Semin, Boyes, Hudler, Penner, Doan, Parenteau, Grabovski, David Jones, Kostitsyn to name a few
Even in a trade, it is just a numbers game. In 1 year the Canes will be paying Staal $9 million, Skinner $5-6 million, Ruutu $5 million, Ward $6-7 million, Pitkanen $4.5 million, and Gleason $4 million. That is $34 million for 6 players.
A $5+ million 1st line winger and a $5+ million top-4 D don’t fit into that equation for a budget team. Our budget this year was $50 million, JR couldn’t field a complete team with $44 million going to 8 players.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 5:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Four forwards look promising to make the jump (Yakupov, Forsberg, Grigorenko and Galchenyuk if he recovers from injury). There is also a lot of decent defensmen in the top ten. Most think some of these will be chosen before all the forwards are gone—especially given the young forward talent already existing in Edmonton. So if we pick top five, there is a good likelyhood of getting one of those four forwards….
More of the same from January and February isn’t that bad…. Considering the defense should improve with Pitkanen back next year? That’s a good thing. We should get a decent draft pick (unless we win the SouthEast, which is actually still possible…) And JR said he was going to try and add another top six forward.
I tend to agree with Sittler, this is good. We maybe could have gotten Parise, using this salary +more, but then we’re still short a top six forward…
Whatever negative issues the team has had this season cannot be fairly placed on Ruutu’s doorstep. No team goes anywhere without quality veterans and he is one. Even if Ruutu were traded for a quality player, doesn’t change the fact that they need at least one more anyway. So the real question will be does the team just sit with what they have, or seek to improve with the draft as well as additional acquisitions. Hopefully the latter.
I think now is the time to re-examine the spreadsheet I created
The link is here. According to my calculations the Canes have just under $41.9M allocated to salary next season to 17 players. They had roughly $51 committed at the start of this season, and I expect at least that much to be committed given where the cap is likely to go (I’m assuming still that since the CBA doesn’t expire until after the NHL year starts next season will operate under existing rules). This leaves $9 or $10M left to spend on 3 to 40 players to get to where wen entered this season. Typically the payroll has gone up year to year. If we assume a natural $2M escalation in Payroll that means $11 to $12M to be spent on a few players. Even for four players that’s $3M or so each. Get a deal on Allen or Tlusty and that’s more spent on other players.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
I mentioned this a couple of days ago, so I’ll mention it again. I have heard from a very good source from inside the organization that our budget next season will be around $58 million. Based on our current salaries and how they escalate slightly; that should give us an extra $5 million. That’s not going to get us Parise, but we should have some room for a very good player either through free agency our trade. Now its just up to JR to find a player that will help and make it happen.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
by PackPride17 on Feb 22, 2012 7:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
$58 M!!!!
That would sure buy a lot. Again, 17 players under contract for $41.9M. That means if the budget is $58 there’s $16M for 4 players. Tlusty won’t get $4M, so that means a couple of $5M players could be brought it. That would be a game changer.
Is there a better time of year than the NHL Trade Deadline?
I was told Compuware and PK had very good years. He said that the extra money PK spends on the team can be used as a write off if the team finishes in the red next season.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
by PackPride17 on Feb 22, 2012 7:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I’d guess Tlusty and McBain will sign for 2-3 years at $2-2.5 million a year. They will likely factor in Skinner’s eventual raise to $4-5 million per year.
That leaves around $8 million to sign a forward and a D on that budget. Things change a lot depending on which Draft pick the Canes end up with.
by JussiJuice on Feb 22, 2012 7:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
IF the Canes were to still try
and go after a Parise type of player…the question is who does get dumped/packaged & traded off ? Cause as this fan sees things..the Canes are “sitting pretty” withvdraft picks..but remember folks..not ever draft pick is or equals a Skinner or a Faulk…and who does JR dump/trade from The Checkers ?
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
by CaniacSteve on Feb 22, 2012 11:42 PM EST up reply actions
I am pleased we've locked him up but...
I can’t help but feel we missed out on a golden opportunity to get a good haul of picks/prospects from an overpaying deadline day panicked GM. Obviously Canes wanted Ruu, Ruu wanted to stay in Carolina with long term in mind, why not come to a gentlemans’ agreement and shake hands on this deal, but wait to sign the dotted line until summer. In which time we could’ve rented him out to the benefit of the team in the present and/or future, which would also benefit Ruu because he would have some nice new shiny players to play alongside with as well…
That’s a dangerous game to play all around. If it ever came to light the NHL would investigate since that violates the CBA. Other GMs would probably never do another deal with JR.
Now let’s look at the other risks. Ruutu goes to a contender and likes it there. They offer him an extension between now and playoffs or before Canes officially contact him again. An offer in hand versus an “understanding”. This is his livelihood at the peak of his career we are talking about. Would you gamble with that?
And these sure fire prospects and draft picks? Often the don’t pan out. What you have in Ruutu is a proven top 6 forward who is a leader and plays a punishing game that few players in the league can match.
Well, all this re-signing of current team players lends one to think JR believes our previous problems were coaching and not player related…
I don’t think JR believed our previous problems to be Gleason and Ruutu related.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 22, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
Hmmm, Gleason had a slack year last season and the first third of this one. He has turned it around significantly and I’m glad. However, he was part of the problem last season, imo.
Harrumph
Gleason also won the Chiasson award last year from his teammates, which leads me to believe there might have been more going on with his on-ice performance than met the eye.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 22, 2012 10:36 PM EST up reply actions
There were also various sightings of Gleason last season around Raleigh where he was clearly in some kind of lower back pain. To try to figure it out last season, I used two laptops attached to tvs while working out and put on NHL Game Center and watched games from last season and the season before at the same time while working out. It was apparent to me that Gleason was struggling with his skating much of last season. This season Gleason got his stride back after approximately a third of the season.
Good point Jamie
Seeing as he moved Kabs and Poni, and waived Stewart I’d say he saw some player issues. A better post on my part is JR must have felt he had no issues with the core of this team….
What I like most about Ruutu is that when the team is going through a slump and everyone is criticizing players like Staal and Ward, Ruutu is the one name that is never brought up and not giving 100%.
by hurricane9 on Feb 22, 2012 4:51 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I guess JR changed his mind about low balling him.
by hotchipsnsalsa on Feb 23, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
I am glad he’s here. Was he over paid a bit? Maybe. But as mentioned the big names being thrown around in the UFA pool are not looking at the Canes, even with competitive offers. Ruu fits Muller’s system very well, and if JR can upgrade the team with some more skill up front, or as Sittler mentioned one of our Charlotte players finally emerge, Ruutu will be even more effective. There is one factor in this transaction we may well never know, and that is what and who exactly were being offered for Ruutu. Maybe knowing that would change some opinions people have ( either way) about the deal.
by Hockeydog on Feb 22, 2012 4:52 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Ruu fits Muller’s system very well
Hockeydog brings up a good point. Why JR’s sudden change of heart regarding mid-season extensions? I have to believe the answer is Kirk Muller. Muller gave this team a good training camp, evaluated the personnel, told JR who he wanted to retain, and JR worked the deals.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 22, 2012 4:57 PM EST up reply actions
Age was a factor in both as well.
JR mentioned the fact that both players were ufa at still a young made it easier to go longer an the term.
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
by HockeyHick74 on Feb 22, 2012 5:02 PM EST up reply actions
this was a +1 to Hockeydog's post!
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
by HockeyHick74 on Feb 22, 2012 4:56 PM EST up reply actions
Like? LOVE.
Ruutu is a great guy, great player and a great re-sign. :)
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
So why didn't we sign Cole last year?
1978 v 1983.
Maurice v Miller.
Selfishly, my two jerseys received extensions this year. Glad to get to wear them again.
So why didn’t we sign Cole last year?
Don’t forget that Cole is 4+ years older than Ruutu, and coming into this season, Cole had 160 more games worth of wear and tear on him than Ruutu did.
by HockeyWeasel on Feb 22, 2012 7:07 PM EST up reply actions
And while Ruutu has some history of injury, Cole had at least as much and also had some years when he was healthy ( that we know) and didn’t produce much. I hated to lose Cole but think JR made a tough but good decision not to match the Habs offer. Cole has been a great player this year, but let’s evaluate that deal in a few years.
Fantastic Signing
Finding a player with Ruutu’s blend of scoring skills, character, skating skills, and physicality is very, very difficult. Increasingly, having a high draft pick is about the only way to find these players. Neal was just paid $5 million a year for six years. There is a need to find at least one top six forward and perhaps one truly elite shutdown defenseman.
It is going to take Karmanos approving a higher salary budget; and from what I hear and read, I am convinced the Hurricanes organization is prepared to take on another top tier UFA signing. I also think that the Hurricanes first and second round picks can be used to select the kind of forwards the Hurricanes need. Finding the elite shutdown defenseman will not be an easy task.
This signing also sends an important and positive message to the fan base and to the players. After having lost Cole as a UFA, losing Ruutu would be a harsh blow. As it is, the Hurricanes have a very solid foundation. Adding one elite forward and one elite defenseman and the team is set for years to come.
Doug, your post is a breath of fresh air. It is not only optimistic, it reflects good reasoning and I agree with your assumption that management will follow through on getting another top six forward. Some of the others seem to assume the worst about JR and PK. I don’t want this franchise to be known as a penny pinching operation, but I see no advantage in just throwing away money (look at some of the contracts around the league like Carter, Gomez, Hemsky, etc.) and you see a lot of wasted money. One thing the fans should take into account which they don’t seem to do with all their whimpering amount how much and how the money is spent by JR and PK is that our ticket prices are very low compared to other franchises. For example, the lowest ticket price in Washington is $85.00. So fans should give some credit for JR and PK trying to hold the line on the cost to the fans. Personally, I’m willing to pay more if the additional revenue helps get and keep good players.
by FoxtrotSierra on Feb 22, 2012 6:52 PM EST up reply actions
I'd rather pay less and have more people in the stands
But points well taken.
Too much money….
If they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it
by Killswitch on Feb 22, 2012 5:45 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I don think the money is bad, but it’s a little more than I expected, I’m just on the same page as a couple of others: you have the core of a team that can’t make the playoffs and hasn’t had a solid start to the season.
I like rutuu, but I don’t think he makes the team better. I feel the same way about the gleason signing: i have’nt loved either of them the last 2 seasons, the haven’t had amazing years, so why re-up them?
The last minute surge hasn’t got them to the playoffs, it just ruins your draft pick. The likelihood of getting another skinner in 7th-10th place is pretty slim. They might play well enough to screw up a top3 or top 5 draft pick. I’m not sure why I care…what are they going to do with a top pick? Rebuild? I doubt it.
I am not a heavy drinker. I can sometimes go for hours without touching a drop --Noel Coward
by DaveLovesBier on Feb 22, 2012 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
You don't think Ruutu makes the team better?
I can kind of understand that sentiment with Gleason before he got back to his recent form but that’s not an accurate assessment when it comes to Ruutu. Ruutu consistently plays his heart out game in and game out and early in the season there were nights where he was the only one playing.He was the highest scorer on the team prior to his injury..tough to match that with your comment on him not making the team better.
Ruutu is a core member of team and definitely makes this team better.
I like the signing, but as I have said before and others have mentioned, this is all for nothing if the Canes don’t do anything in the offseason to get better. We still need to add a 1st line winger and a 1st pair defenseman. If PK and JR stand pat in the offseason and don’t seek to fix these deficiencies then this is all for nothing. Also, I would have liked to see some house cleaning to a certain extent, but JR indicated today that he didn’t forsee being active in the run-up to Monday’s trade deadlines.
by HurricanesUNC12 on Feb 22, 2012 6:47 PM EST reply actions
Ray Whitney’s a free agent. Sign him for a year or two and bring 1 of the prospects up permanently – Bowman or Samson.
Ready for the Canes to win the Cup again! :)
thought
I know a lot of people here hate the idea of a re-tread, but I’d be thrilled with a one year deal for ray to come back. spend the extra money in a big time deal and have a staal-tlusty-Whitney top line.
no more than one year though.
if the supposed budget is accurate, imagine what we could spend on a d.
by chrisbrasfield on Feb 22, 2012 9:16 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I will say I’m a little surprised. I’m glad to have Ruutu signed, but $4.75 per seems pricey for a player that has only hit the 20 goal mark once in his career. I honestly was thinkimg $4.25 per for 4 years our $4.5 per for 3 years. I guess Ruutu took advantage of the weak free agent market this summer and made sure JR knew it.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
by PackPride17 on Feb 22, 2012 7:21 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Face it, we will not sign a top 6 forward AND a shutdown D in the same year. JR should evaluate which he is likely to be able to get as a FA this summer and then make a plan for the other in the following year’s FA period. The team could make improvements this year by trading Allen and a prospect for a proven two-way forward for the second line. Skinner needs somebody to clear some space for him to work. Allen’s grit and talent for blocking shots should be of value to a contender this year. He has played so well that I would hate to see us lose him for nothing this summer. Difficult decision here.
Other
I voted other, and you said to add an explanation. Partially it is too much money for too long. Partially it is investing in a player with an injury history, whose style of play adds more risk of injury. Partially it is staying with a core of players that have been a bust. Partially it is thinking that, somewhere, Cole and Whitney are saying “That much for him, and they let me go!”
Maybe I’m just tired of us being a reincarnation of the Maple Leafs. You know annual slow start, bury ourselves in the standings, great late season run, that never seems to get us to the playoffs. I know the team has played better lately, but they are still 15th, and they are still 8 points out of the playoffs. Not making up much ground.
by ncyankee on Feb 22, 2012 11:36 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Great effort here Miss Jamie
and i too am glad he resigned and at the $$ too…Thanks again…
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
*YAWN*
tradeable asset Gleason — resigned
tradeable asset Ruutu — resigned
big signing of Kaberle — traded for Spacek, who is likely to be traded
I LIKE Ruutu and Gleason, don’t get me wrong, but right now this team isn’t any better off than it was in the off season, talent-wise. Unless something changes, we’re headed for familiar waters next season.
Unimpressed thus far, Ms. Rutherford, unimpressed thus far…
"Look into my eyes and repeat after me: I will vacation in Ontario. I will vacation in Ontario. I will vacation in Ontario..."
If $4.75 is what he had to pay for him now, and that is already an overpayment, what do you think Ruutu would have earned on the open market when he is the 2nd best forward available?
I think JR realized he had to bite the bullet because he didn’t want to risk overpaying or losing Ruutu in the off-season considering that there are absolutely no replacements for him available.
Spend Money......But
First of all I like the signing. Ruutu has been and IMO will always be one of a handful of skilled NHL guys who will sacrifice all for the team and a win. His very fist game as a Cane proved that. It is still tough for me to look at those pictures of his face from that massive cut.
The contract for Ruutu is a bit more than I was thinking JR would put on the table, not that Ruutu deserved it necessary, more than I did not think JR would pay that much. Building a team around known skilled core players is logical. Ruutu has become a core forward on this team and that is also logical.
Observation: We have seen a number of threads in this blog over the last couple of months where people have vehemently lambasted JR and PK for “NOT SPENDING MORE MONEY”. It is somewhat ironic that JR and PK have spent more money with Ruutu, someone who most of you (not all, but most) called for his re-signing. Now that JR and PK have spent more money there seems to be a notion that some folks don’t like that big contract. So, as far as JR and PK are concerning is the message "Spend more money BUT……… "? Again, spending money is fine as long as it is done wisely. I think the 3rd and 4th year of this contract will likely be favorable compared to the rest of the league then. This is not a “Kaberle contract” which by the way was not too much less in annual salary than Ruutu’s. This is not like Cole’s 4 year deal because I think the Habs will regret that 3rd and 4th year on Cole’s contract.
It is interesting that Ruutu is taking a pay cut in the first year from $4.4mm to $4.0mm a budget savings for next year. I guess that recognizes some falloff in production on a bad team.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
Rational signing of a very good player
It was either Ruutu at this price or a less familiar talent at a similar or higher price with a smaller chance of fitting in and contributing at a high level. This isn’t about comparing Ruutu against some imaginary measure of market value. It’s about comparing the Canes with Ruutu to the Canes without Ruutu given realistic assessment of the possible replacements.
While questioning a strategy of standing pat with a losing team is valid, it assumes changing out a key player can only lead to improvement. It’s like thinking the stock market can only rise. In fact, without Ruutu, the Canes would almost certainly take a big step down from a barely competitive position. This way, there’s no guarantee of a rosy future but at least there’s a shot at improvement. The Canes are maintaining a foundation to build on instead of abandoning a key player with no replacement in sight.
by curiouscanesfan on Feb 23, 2012 9:00 AM EST reply actions
With the options available
This deal really isn’t too bad. I figured he’d get 4 yrs, 4.6 mil per yer so this is pretty close to that. The one part I’m not a fan of is the NTC. For the money, JR should have said there wouldn’t be a NTC. If he busts or if there’s a chance to deal him in a year or two if the team is still scraping the bottom of the league, you’re handcuffed. I like Ruutu, but I just don’t like the inability of moving a player who has perceived value. Heart and soul and grit is great, but rarely does it fill up a score sheet night in and night out.
I’m still hoping they do the right thing and move Spacek to a contender for a chance at a cup and bring up Sanguinetti to see if he’ll ever have NHL caliber stuff. That way you can possibly add him to a deal come draft time to make a move for a forward. Same with Boychuck. Bring them up so they can audition for tickets out. I’m convinced we will be picking in the 6-10 neighborhood by season’s end meaning we will either get another defenseman or one of the forwards with a question mark over some part of their game. Or how about trading down at that point to get a player and a later pick if we can’t land a top-5 guy?
by The Gottfather on Feb 23, 2012 10:21 AM EST reply actions
Almost 120 comments into this discussion and I realize I haven’t weighed in with an actual opinion of my own regarding the deal.
By the way, I approve.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 23, 2012 11:10 AM EST via mobile reply actions
This signing hi-lites why JR is the reason the Canes most likely will miss the playoffs this year
Don’t get me wrong, I like Ruutu and I’m glad we’re keeping him. But when you compare him to Erik Cole, he is just not as good. Yet the ‘Canes are now paying him more money. Yes Tuomo is younger and one might make the old “injury prone” argument against Cole, but when you look at average games per season, Cole edges out Ruutu 76 to 74. So Ruutu is statistically more “injury prone”. Cole has 7 seasons of 20 goals or more (including this year….on pace for 30), while Ruutu has 3 (giving him the benefit of the doubt for this year as he only needs three more, but actually only has 2 prior 20 goal years). And I think we all know how much Staal would have benefited from having him on his wing this year. Again, I’m not dissing Ruutu, but he is just NOT as good as Erik Cole and hasn’t done nearly as much for the franchise, but JR resigned him and gave him more money than Cole got from Montreal. I won’t even go into the whole Cole vs. Kaberle/Poni side of this debacle. So I just want to vent my frustration by saying this here: WHEN JIM RUTHERFORD PULLED HIS STUBBORN “HOW DARE YOU TEST THE MARKET” TANTRUM LAST SUMMER AND DIDN’T SIGN COLE, HE FLUSHED THIS SEASON DOWN THE TOILET. BOTTOM LINE. I think with him on Staal’s line you could reasonably expect to have about 50 goals between the two of them at this point in the season, which would put the ’Canes at about +9 in the goal differential department and probably right in the middle of the playoff mix. Granted I am basing that statement on projections and assumptions, but I think they are reasonable. JR has done a great job in past years, but IMO he screwed the pooch this year. BIG TIME.
Disagree, glad JR did not match that 4th year Cole got from the Habs. Cole is having a very good year for him……the bet will be it will not be as good in that 3rd and 4th year. Time will tell…..but my bet is on Ruutu.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Feb 23, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
Ruutu has never produced on Cole’s level and probably never will considering that he’s 29 himself. If Cole’s production drops off by 5 goals per year in the final two years of his contract he would still be producing on Ruutu’s level (Cole has about a 25 goal/yr average vs. about 20 per year for Ruutu when calculated as goals per 82 games). So given that Cole is the more offensively productive player and that we all know he and Staal have tremendous chemistry that really helps Staal’s production, I can’t understand how anyone could argue that Ruutu is the better player and worth more money. He’s not that much younger. He averages fewer games per season, he’s not nearly as fast, he has a propensity for big hits, but Cole is a more prolific hitter. I just don’t see it. I think JR doesn’t like it when guys test the market and didn’t sign Cole out of stubbornness. I just don’t see any way to argue that Ruutu is better than Cole and deserves more money.
by NoVa Caniac on Feb 23, 2012 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
Cole had 52 pts in 82 games last year, while Ruutu had 57 pts. And he had more hits than Cole. How has he never produced like Cole?
by jbcanesfan26 on Feb 23, 2012 12:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You’re talking one year, I’m talking over a career. Ruutu had 38 assists last year spending a lot of time on a line with Skinner. Assists are great, but they’re not the same as goals, especially when you consider secondary assists. If you want to look at it by total points Ruutu averages 46 points per year vs. Cole’s 52 over their careers. Rutuu did have more hits last year, but over the years Cole has led the team in hits several times (stats on hits can be hard to locate farther back than a few years, so I’m going off memory, if you know a site that lists them more historically, please advise). Again, I’m not saying Ruutu is not a good player or that he doesn’t deserve a good contract, I’m making the statement that Ruutu’s contract underscores the fact the JR’s decision to not sign Cole last summer was not based solely on $$, because he just gave more money to a player who is slightly inferior to Cole.
by NoVa Caniac on Feb 23, 2012 12:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’ll retract the term “never” and replace it with “has not produced as consistently”
by NoVa Caniac on Feb 23, 2012 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
2006–07: 38 points in 71 games, extrapolates to 44 points in 82
2007-08: 31 points in 77 games, extrapolates to 33 points in 82
2008-09: 54 points in 79 games, extrapolates to 56 points
2009-10: 35 points in 54 games, extrapolates to 53 points
2010-11: 57 points in 82 games
The last three years look pretty consistent to me, and are very close to Cole’s production at the same age.
You can't extrapolate when the problem is your playing style and the proclivity for injury that results from it.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 23, 2012 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure that is valid since so many players are hurt, so many player play hurt and I know of no statistics that identifies soft verse hard players on the ice…..do you?
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Feb 23, 2012 6:00 PM EST up reply actions
The only one we can rely on is games played.
And Ruutu often lacks in that category.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 24, 2012 12:33 AM EST up reply actions
As do most current NHL players………which results in extrapolation all the time with many variables across many stats……so that above variable extrapolated is as good as any and better than most.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Feb 24, 2012 10:28 AM EST up reply actions
OK.
I’ll make sure to imagine he was playing and scoring if he gets hurt over the next four years. It will make me feel better, perhaps.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 27, 2012 2:35 AM EST up reply actions
So you admit that if we see a player who:
played in 40 games last year but only scored 15 goals under your method we walk away from that guy, not worth it, did not play in all games.
However, if in the prior 5 years he was a 30 goal scorer for each of those prior five years most GM’s would jump at someone like that because they would interpolate his production based on being healthy. Your method would seemingly eliminate every player who did not play the entire year because they may be injured again in future years.
If that is your criteria……who would you recommend JR get as a first line winger for Staal?
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Feb 27, 2012 8:58 AM EST up reply actions
But that guy WASN'T a 30-goal scorer for the last five years.
He’s hurt too often to get there. The past is absolutely the most relevant predictor of the future when it comes to such things, and the past shows he won’t be healthy on a regular basis.
Hi, my name is Michael Procton, and I will mindf*** you with logical yet (often) pessimistic retorts until the cows come home. Good Day.
--by Aisander D on Feb 4, 2012 7:59 PM EST
I gotta stop takin' my baths durin' Peter's shenanigans.
by MichaelProcton on Feb 27, 2012 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
Then neither will Chad LaRose. Or Cam Ward. Or Tim Gleason. Or Joni Pitkanen. Or Brian Boucher. Or Jiri Tlusty. Or Bryan Allen. Or Erik Cole. They’ve all lost about the same number of man-games (or more) to injury that Ruutu has since we acquired him four years ago.
by Jamie Kellner on Feb 27, 2012 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
Simple…..Cole in the past has been more inconsistent player than he should be. I sat in the stands for years as a Cole fan and over time and saw one brilliant play by Cole and then 9 almost bonehead plays follow that, time and time again. Here is a typical Cole game from back then.
Cole= run real fast down the right side, try to cut in with the puck, lose the puck, look around like your lost and as if your sister was kissed. Repeat play again.
Now saying all that I have noticed that he actually gets around the net from time to time now but most times when I see him on TV I see the same thing eventually coming out that we saw when he was here.
Nope……I like Ruutu’s consistency and dedication each shift much more.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Feb 23, 2012 1:06 PM EST up reply actions
Not to mention the times when he would string together multiple games when he was invisible on the ice. Really comparing two players salaries is not like comparing a Ford to a Chevy. What a player can get in a contract has too many variables, timing being one of the biggest factors.
Agreed…….it was a frustrating time then……my wife has yet to put that Cole jersey back on………
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Sun Tzu circa 4th Century BC
by hurricanefever on Feb 23, 2012 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
You're missing one other point
Maybe JR agrees with you. Maybe JR learned something from the Cole loss. Maybe his forays into cheap FA showed some assets you have to bite the bullet with to keep in order to continue to field a productive team.
JR lost Cole and Whitney for no assets. JR wouldn’t negotiate extensions mid season in the past. This year we saw him do that with both Gleason and Ruutu. Perhaps after losing Cole to FA, he decided the Canes couldn’t afford to lose another counted on forward when the FA market shows little available to replace him. Perhaps had he tried this with Cole last year, and if Cole failed to sign an extension, we could have traded him and gotten a return, or perhaps if Cole hadn;t tested teh FA market he would have accepted the same deal JR offered if he had the chance prior to the trade deadline. Who knows.
Jr didn’t throw a tantrum last year. He had budget orders from PK. He made a reasonable offer for Cole, but Montreal made a longer term option, and Cole took it. Based on Cole’s words, I’m sure JR expected Cole to sign. I’m sure JR felt me made a fair offer to Cole. And I bet he thought about maybe matching Montreal’s offer, but the risk was too high for this franchise with Erik’s injury history and age. Yeah he looks good this year. It’s year one…
JR didn’t want to make that mistake again. I pretty sure he realizes it was a mistake and the loss of COle hurt the team as we couldn’t replace him. Looking at the offers he had for Ruutu, JR decided he couldn’t take that risk again.
So I think he did the right thing for the team going forward. Could he have done the same for Cole?? Yes, no, maybe, different year, different signals/budget from PK. But JR deserves credit for seemingly acknowledging the mistakes made with Cole and recitfying them this year: Got rid of Poni, talked with Ruu and got a deal done or was prepared to move him and get some kind of asset back. Godd on ya JR… (now if you want to ask “What took so long?”…..)
A big point being missed
I think there is possible scenario that people are missing. Players watch what other players do, the fact that two guys would could have been UFA’s and gotten decent money on the market re-sign before a trade deadline says A LOT!! Don’t think players won’t talk about that and say, maybe that is some place I want to be!!! The money on Ruu is great he probably would have gotten 5-6 on the open market, same for Gleason. I am ok with these moves but do think we will have to add 1 top 6 forward either through free agency or trade this off season. We have some pieces that are expandable: Pitkanen, LaRose, maybe Stewart along with Spacek and Allen might be gone this year. I am ok with the signing. He is a fan favorite and you still have to put people in the seats and Ruu does that.
good points, hadn't thought of that
still, most talented veterans want to get their name on the cup. i doubt we’ll be in that position next year, so not sure folks will burn up JR’s phone lines just yet.
I would package Pits/Rosie/Stewart/Boychuk/Spacek for a big name shooter any day…
"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 23, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
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