Ruutu Hopes to Return

Justin Maffei | Pittsburgh Penguins

Jun 30, 07:04 AM | Hype this story!

The Penguins received a little consolation on Monday regarding their free agents. Dave Molinari reports on Jarkko Ruutu’s desire to remain a Pittsburgh Penguin. “Pittsburgh is a great team and, hopefully, we can work something out” Ruutu said. This is hardly headline news, but with a few of the big names scooting out of town, it is a good thing to hear.

Whether Ray Shero has the desire to retain Ruutu’s services is another question. Shero has been focusing on the higher profile guys, but Ruutu understands. “I kind of expected it,” he said. “I’ve been through stuff like this before.”

So, if Ruutu had his way where would he fit into the Penguins line-up? “First-line right wing,” he said. Of course Ruutu was joking, but it speaks to the surprisingly numerous openings that the Penguins have. Jarkko would be happy to fill one of those openings and the Penguins would be lucky to have him back. His personality is great for the locker room, and he is fun to watch.

Comments

  1. henkegbgskea

    Jun 30, 07:33 AM

    As happy as i was a month ago likewise unhappy i am today…...

    Every free agent player in pens organisation want to try the free market…
    Is that normal ????

    i feel sad and worried right now but i hope Shero and rest of the gang (Lemieux?) can build a good team for next season…

  2. Todd

    Jun 30, 10:15 AM

    Yeah, I’m a little surprised a few of the role players weren’t signed yet. I guess we could have some activity today, but it is discomforting to go into free agency with so many gaps in the lineup.

    Ray Shero will get it done.

  3. Pens1967

    Jun 30, 10:44 AM

    IMHO, Shero’s hands were a bit tied by four events: the long playoff run, the draft, the owners making re-signing Hossa the first priority and the Hossa/Winter foot-dragging and Shero was behind the curve. He said on the record, when Hossa declined his offer, that all had been on hold pending his decision.

    OTOH, teams like the NYR and Detroit haven’t signed any of their UFAs either.

  4. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jun 30, 10:52 AM

    Henke, this is how free agency works. There’s absolutely no reason to be unhappy yet (unless your favorite player was Malone). Shero has a master plan and is working toward it.

    Todd, I too am a bit surprised at least something hasn’t happened, but, as you said, RS will get it done. He’s a pretty crafty fellow.

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