Ruutu is Gaining Some Respect!

I found another positive article on former Penguin Jarkko Ruutu.

Chris Stevenson of SLAM! Sports begins his article by so cleverly stating, "the pizza line got some spice," referring to Ruutu being moved up to the top line with Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza.

His new linemate, Dany Heatley gave him "props" telling Stevenson that he's one of the best at creating chances and playing down low. His new coach, Craig Hartsburg, said that Ruuts will "bring his game" no matter what line you put him on stating that he's "a very intelligent player as far as the team game and the systems and winning loose puck battles and doing smart things with the puck."

The most impressive compliment, to me anyway, was when Stevenson talked about Ruutu with former Canucks teammate (and current Pittsburgh Penguin who was signed at Ruutu's replacement), Matt Cooke.

"He's got more skill than people give him credit for," said Penguins winger Matt Cooke, a teammate of Ruutu's with the Vancouver Canucks. "But sometimes he lets his emotions get the better of him and the skill can't come out."