Ruutu's future (update)
8:47AM ET
Tuomo Ruutu | Hurricanes
UPDATE: If Jim Rutherford gets his way,
Tuomo Ruutu won't be going anywhere ahead of this season's trade deadline.
As reported by ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun, the general manager of
Carolina Hurricanes will try to re-sign Ruutu, rather than trade him. After meeting earlier this week, the Finnish forward and GM appeared to be on the same page regarding an extended future together.
"So our priority now is to try and re-sign him," Rutherford told ESPN.com.
Ruutu is expected to want a long-term deal. If both sides can't agree on dollars and term, the soon-to-be 29-year-old could still be available before Feb. 27.
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Perceived to be one of this season's most desired trade rentals,
Tuomo Ruutu may not be available after all.
The
Raleigh News&Observer reports the general manager of the
Carolina Hurricanes plans to sit down and talk about the future with the 28-year-old this week.
"I want to talk to him about where he's at, this season and in the future," Jim Rutherford said. "We'll talk about that and see where it goes. We're closing in on the (NHL) trade deadline, so we need to make a decision."
As valuable as Ruutu is, the spirited forward could fetch a solid prospect and/or pick in return for the re-building 'Canes. Considering Ruutu wants a long-term deal, Rutherford may be better off moving the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent.
The
Detroit Red Wings,
Ottawa Senators,
Chicago Blackhawks,
New York Rangers,
Boston Bruins,
Toronto Maple Leafs are said to be among a gaggle of teams interested in dealing for Ruutu.
