Jarkko Ruutu Signs for Jokerit in SM-Liiga
NHL agitator signs three year deal
By Janne Virtanen
Prohockeynews.com
September 9, 2011

HELSINKI, FINLAND – SM-Liiga team, Jokerit have secured the services of Finnish NHL star Jarkko Ruutu. The contract length is reportedly three years. Ruutu has become known to the hockey world as a pest in the NHL, though he is a highly skilled two way player. Ruutu split last season between the Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks.

Jokerit General Manager, Jarmo Kekalainen said, “Jarkko will add a lot of leadership to our roster. He is a fantastic two way player who can play against the top lines night in night out,” and added. “Ruutu is an exceptional professional player, whose experience will be invaluable to our younger players.”

During the last NHL season, Ruutu, 36, played 73 games scoring three goals and assisting nine. He has played in the NHL since 1999-2000 and has played for Vancouver Cannucks, Pitsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks. In 652 NHL career games, Ruutu has scored 58 goals and 142 points.

Ruutu’s last stint in the SM-Liiga was six years ago, when he represented the Helsinki rivals HIFK. Ruutu was part of the HIFK roster that won the SM-Liiga championship in 1998. During his career, Ruutu has also been a core member of the Finnish national team, having won Olympic Silver and Bronze and three Silver- and one Bronze medal at the World Championship stage. He was also part of the Finnish roster that finished second in the 2004 World Cup.

Ruutu will be joining Jokerit with immediate effect and will be wearing the number 25, a number he wore in HIFK as opposed to the number 37, he wore for the majority of his NHL career.

KHL Connection:

Ruutu was connected to many KHL teams and did receive sizeable offers from teams in the league. “I had a few lucrative offer on the table. If money was my main motive, I would’ve received ten times more money from the KHL,” Ruutu said.

Rumours around Ruutu’s Jokerit contract include a promise about a front office job at the Jokerit organisation. Ruutu himself was quick to dismiss this rumour though, “I’ve come here to play hockey. There have not been any discussions about what I am going to do once my playing career is over.”

Senators Retrospective: Jarkko Ruutu - Silver Seven

Jarkko Ruutu in regards to Teemu Selanne - ESPN.com:

“When he got that attitude, combined with the working out and stretching, it does magic,” said Jarkko Ruutu, a Finnish native like Selanne. “He hasn’t lost a step and his skating ability is the key to getting in these scoring areas.”

Chris Kuc - Chicago Tribune - March 27, 2011:

One-timers: Center Jake Dowell has "somewhere around 40" stitches above his left eye after his face hit the ice during the Hawks' 2-1 loss to Anaheim on Saturday night. "I just got tied up and kind of bear-hugged (by the Ducks' Jarkko Ruutu) in the corner and my hands got tied up so I couldnt catch my fall and my face just hit the ice. It was a pressure cut and it just split open."

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Anaheim Ducks left wing Jarkko Ruutu (37), of Finland, gives a hard yank to Dallas Stars defenseman Trevor Daley (6) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Wednesday, March 23, 2011. (AP)

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 20: Jarkko Ruutu #37 of the Anaheim Ducks battles for the puck against Mark Giordano #5 of the Calgary Flames during the game at Honda Center on March 20, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)

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Anaheim Ducks show up for children's hospital - Sports - The Orange County Register

The Anaheim Ducks' Jarkko Ruutu, center, and Saku Koivu, right, talk to a fan during a reception at the 2011 Anaheim Lady Ducks Fashion Show
at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. The show included a live and silent auction and lunch.
The event was put on by the Anaheim Lady Ducks as a fundraiser for Children's Hospital of Orange County.
PAUL BERSEBACH, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Ducks' third line is making some noise
By Curtis Zupke
Orange County Register
March 3, 2011

Earlier this season it seemed as though Randy Carlyle could not go more than a day or two without being asked about his ever-changing third line.

A rotating cast of players has made stability difficult to establish, and injuries and trades have seen even more faces fill out the grouping.

But Carlyle and the Ducks might finally have some identity with the emergence of veterans Todd Marchant and Jarkko Ruutu.

That was evident Wednesday night as Marchant won 16 of 26 faceoffs and played a whopping 8:35 minutes shorthanded. Ruutu logged more than five minutes on the penalty kill and played pest to high-powered Detroit in the Ducks' overtime victory.

While the line could change again when Saku Koivu returns from injury and newly acquired Brad Winchester gets acclimated, Marchant, Ruutu and current linemate Dan Sexton have shown they can provide the blue-collar work.

"We have some interchangeable parts, but first and foremost, they have to provide energy, they have to be responsible defensively," Carlyle said. "That's what we ask of them, and they seem content on doing that right now for us."

Ruutu's play since his arrival from Ottawa in a Feb.17 trade made Maxim Lapierre easier to move at the trade deadline.

Ruutu, 35, said he was never really concerned about the adjustment to a new team.

"I felt it right from the get-go," Ruutu said. "I never had any nervousness coming. I know my strengths and the way I have to play to be effective.

"I think the systems are really fitting the way I think the game. Randy demands a lot of hard work. I like that. Also, how we forecheck and play all the other systems. I don't have to think. I know how it works."

After a mostly quiet season, Marchant's work in the faceoff circle and on the penalty killing unit has been critical during this homestand. He has won 36 of his 61 faceoffs over the past four games and helped the Ducks kill 13 of the past 14 penalties.

Said Carlyle: "I think Marchant's game has taken to a new level for us, specifically in these last two or three games. He's been real strong for us."

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ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Jarkko Ruutu #37 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on prior to the start of the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Honda Center on February 27, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Getty Images)

February 27, 2011
Anaheim 3, Colorado 2

2nd Period:

17:51 Anaheim Ducks ANH Todd Marchant 1 (Luca Sbisa, Jarkko Ruutu)

ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Jarkko Ruutu #37 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Colorado Avalanche at Honda Center on February 27, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Getty Images)

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ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 25: Jarkko Ruutu #37 of the Anaheim Ducks battles for the puck against Brent Burns #8 of the Minnesota Wild on February 25, 2011 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)

ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 25: Brent Burns #8 of the Minnesota Wild fights for position against Jarkko Ruutu #37 of the Anaheim Ducks on February 25, 2011 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)

ANAHEIM, CA - FEBRUARY 23: Jarkko Ruutu #37 of the Anaheim Ducks gets knocked to the ice after colliding with Jonathan Quick #32 of the Los Angeles Kings during the game on February 23, 2011 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)

February 19, 2011
Ducks 3, Blues 9

First period:

Goal at 2:20: Jarkko Ruutu 3 (Brandon McMillan)

Ducks Team Report - Yahoo Sports - February 20, 2011

NOTES, QUOTES

Jarkko Ruutu made quite an impression in his Ducks debut as he scored on his first shift when he batted in a rebound created after his wrapround try was initially stopped by St. Louis goalie Ty Conklin(notes). Ruutu was acquired from Ottawa on Thursday for a sixth-round pick.

ROSTER REPORT

Player notes:

LW Jarkko Ruutu scored his first goal as a Duck on his first shift when he batted in a rebound that he created with his wraparound shot that St. Louis goalie Ty Conklin originally stopped.

Ruutu Obtains Work Visa
Anaheim Ducks - News
February 18, 2011

Newly-acquired forward Jarkko Ruutu obtained his work visa on Friday. He will be flying to St. Louis tomorrow morning and is eligible to play against the Blues that night.

The 35-year-old Finn was acquired on Thursday from Ottawa in exchange for a sixth-round selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Ruutu has totaled two goals, 10 points and 59 PIM in 50 games played thus far in the 2010-11 season.

Ducks Acquire Ruutu from Ottawa for Sixth Round Pick
Anaheim Ducks - News
February 17, 2011

The Ducks have acquired left wing Jarkko Ruutu from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a sixth-round selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

“Jarkko is an effective, two-way player that we feel will help us down the stretch,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray. “He’s the energetic, gritty type of addition we were looking for.”

Ruutu will not be able to join the Ducks until he receives his work visa.

Ruutu, 35 (8/23/75), has appeared in 629 career NHL contests, earning 57-83-140 points with 1,040 penalty minutes (PIM) with Vancouver, Pittsburgh and Ottawa. He appeared in 50 contests with the Senators this season, scoring 2-8=10 points with 59 PIM. In 2009-10, he established career highs with Ottawa for both goals (12) and points in a season (26). He also matched his career high in assists (14) in 2009-10 and was one of only two Senators to appear in all 82 contests (second time in career, also 2005-06). He appeared in his 500th career NHL contest on Oct. 12, 2009 vs. Pittsburgh.

A native of Vantaa, Finland, Ruutu joined Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu on the medal podium at both the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy (silver medal) and the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia (bronze medal) as a member of Team Finland. A three-time Olympian, he also played for his native country at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, UT. In addition, Ruutu is a veteran of six Finnish World Championship squads (silver in 2001, bronze in 2006) and appeared in the 2004 World Cup (with Selanne and Koivu).

Selected by Vancouver in the third round (68th overall) of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Ruutu made his NHL debut on Nov. 20, 1999 at Nashville and scored his first NHL goal (shorthanded) on Jan. 24, 2001 vs. Phoenix. After playing six seasons with Vancouver, he signed as a free agent with Pittsburgh on July 4, 2006 and later with Ottawa on July 2, 2008. The 6-1, 204-pound winger is also a veteran of 55 career Stanley Cup Playoff contests, earning 5-5=10 points with 102 PIM. He advanced to the Stanley Cup Final with Pittsburgh in 2008, notching 2-1=3 points with 26 PIM in 20 games. Ruutu scored the game-winning goal in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at Ottawa on April 16, 2008, helping the Penguins to a sweep of the Senators.

On the trade:

It’s always a little surprising if you don’t expect it. It’s pretty natural on Ottawa’s behalf. I’m exciting to go to Anaheim. They have a good team and a couple of Finnish guys too. It’s exciting for me.

On potentially playing in the playoffs:

That is what it’s all about. When you’re not in the playoffs, you’re not really playing for anything. Getting traded to a team that is playing really well lately and in the playoff race with how tight it is in the West, it’s really exciting for me.

On when he knew he may be traded soon:

It all comes down to how the team plays. When you’re winning, there are no changes. When you are not winning and you’re the bottom of the standings, you know there are going to be changes. With the year we have had, it’s been a struggle. Going into free agency with my contract expiring, it’s pretty natural that it would happen.

On Ottawa’s changes:

The biggest surprise is that guys like Fisher and Kelly got moved. But the direction the Senators are going is young. They have to make changes and stock up on draft picks. There have been coaching changes the last couple of years, so I think they have to look the other way.

On playing with several Finnish players in Anaheim:

I know the guys pretty well. I’ve played with everyone on the national team. Many times before the season, the guys would come over here, especially Lydman and Teemu, and we would practice. We know each other. I played with Lydman too in the IFK back home before I came over. I’m very familiar with all the guys.

On how soon he’ll be able to play with the Ducks:

It’s not really up to me. Hopefully, as soon as possible. With the visa issues, I’m actually in a good spot for that. In Ottawa, I’m right next to the embassy pretty much. I think that will help a little bit. I would want to play tonight if that would be possible. Tomorrow is the first game. I’m ready to jump in any time.

On his style of play:

There are going to see a guy who plays both ends of the ice. I keep it simple and am defensive-minded. I try to create energy on the ice and make it tough for the other team to play. It’s nothing fancy, but I think effective.

On his career-year last season:

The team was playing well and we had good things going here. When you’re winning, you do a lot of good things. Everybody is happy and you produce point-wise. It would be the opposite this year, when the team has been struggling, everybody has been struggling. It’s been a frustrating year, but I feel good and am excited for the opportunity.

On what he will miss about Ottawa:

I liked playing in a Canadian city, where people are really passionate. That is always the number one thing that comes to my mind about Canada. Here it’s all about hockey. People talk about it and stop you in the streets to talk about hockey.

On following the Ducks:

I’ve been following them pretty closely the last couple of days for some reason and I think they have been actually playing pretty well. I also played with Andy Sutton last year. That would be it. I don’t think I played with anybody else there (beside the Finnish players). I happened to be in front of the TV. When there is not many games going on and there is Finnish guys playing, you watch them. It was a good opportunity for me to see how they played.

On his position:

Here I mostly have been playing left wing. But throughout my career, I have played every position. I have played both the wings and a couple of times, I have played center. I’m a winger. It doesn’t really matter for me if it’s a left or right winger.

On going in and out of the lineup recently:

It’s frustrating when that happens. It’s natural when things are going in the wrong direction. There have to be changes and you want to try different things to turn things around. It hasn’t been fun. But I always battle through situations like that. That has happened throughout my career on every team and every franchise. It’s nothing new and I know how to handle it.

Ruutu 'excited' after deal to Ducks
By Bruce Garrioch - QMI Agency
Toronto Sun - Hockey - Sports
February 18, 2011

Jarkko Ruutu is the latest player to pack his suitcases as the Senators’ purge continued Thursday night.

And GM Bryan Murray sent notice he isn’t done dealing.

After trading the 35-year-old Ruutu, a potential unrestricted free agent on July 1, to the Anaheim Ducks Thursday night in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick, Murray said he expects to make at least two more trades before the Feb. 28 deadline.

“I’ve had a variety of calls on different people,” said Murray in a conference call. “I think at some point, we know we have to keep a core of players here because some of the kids that are possibly going to play on the team next year aren’t available right now. But there are other people I’m talking about with (other teams), so I suspect there’ll be a couple of more (trades), at least.”

With Chris Kelly (Boston) and Mike Fisher (Nashville) already sent elsewhere, Ruutu was expecting to be dealt.

“I guess it’s always a surprise even when you expect it, but it’s pretty natural (to make this move) on Ottawa’s behalf and I’m excited to go to Anaheim,” said Ruutu.

“(The playoffs) are what it’s all about. When you’re out of the playoffs, you’re not playing for anything and suddenly you get traded to a team that’s been playing really well lately. That’s really exciting for me.”

Ruutu, who has played only a limited role this season compared to past years, said he’s not surprised coach Cory Clouston hasn’t been fired and it’s the players who are being shipped out the door.

“They’re going young and they have to make changes by getting draft picks,” said Ruutu. “What’s happening is pretty natural if you look at the standings. Coaching? If you look at it, they’ve made coaching changes the last couple of years, so they had to look the other way (at players).”

The Senators have interest from the New York Rangers in defenceman Filip Kuba, while Chris Neil, Chris Campoli and Sergei Gonchar also have the potential to be moved.

Murray said the changes he’s being forced to make aren’t easy, but are necessary.

“It’s difficult. Every time you trade a veteran guy that you had expectations of, it hurts,” said Murray. “I know it’s probably draining on the rest of the players. In turn, it’s because of the way we’ve played and because of the standings.

“We know that some of the things are the right thing to do. No. 1, it opens the door for a player that’s been playing in the minors to get the chance to come up. Secondly, it opens the door going forward, not only from a financial point of view, but from a recruitment point of view over the summer by being able to tell potential candidates there’s room on this roster. We’re going to try to be competitive pretty quickly and maybe this isn’t a bad place to come and play.”

Murray said Ruutu never asked to be dealt.

“None of the players have,” said Murray. “He is 35 and there’s a little bit of opportunity for him to go there and play with guys like (Saku) Koivu and (Teemu) Selanne, who are guys that he knows quite well.”

Ducks stay busy, add 'gritty' Ruutu
By Curtis Zupke
The Orange County Register
February 17, 2011

The Ducks made another trade to fortify their lineup well ahead of the trade deadline with the acquisition Thursday of veteran forward Jarkko Ruutu.

The depth winger was dealt from last place Ottawa to the Ducks for a sixth-round draft pick this summer in a shrewd move that gives the Ducks a defensive forward and penalty killer for the stretch run to the postseason.

It was the second significant trade in nine days by Ducks general manager Bob Murray, who has been quite active before the Feb. 28 deadline. He also re-acquired defenseman Francois Beauchemin on Feb. 9.

"Jarkko is an effective, two-way player that we feel will help us down the stretch," Murray said in a release. "He's the energetic, gritty type of addition we were looking for."

Ruutu fills an immediate need on the fourth line as the Ducks have lately scratched Kyle Chipchura and rotated other forwards to play alongside Todd Marchant and George Parros.

An 11-year veteran, Ruutu, 35, was understandably happy to be thrust on to a contending team in a wildly competitive Western Conference race.

"That's what it's all about," Ruutu said. "When you're not in the playoffs, you're not really playing for anything. Getting traded to a team that is playing really well lately and in the playoff race with how tight it is in the West, it's really exciting for me."

Ruutu must obtain a work visa to play for the Ducks, who play the first of back-to-back road games at Minnesota tonight, but he said his proximity to the embassy in Ottawa might help speed the process.

Ruutu's $1.3 million contract expires this summer, so the Ducks are banking that his rental will help expedite a playoff berth.

Ruutu had career highs in goals (12) and assists (14) last season but his value with the Ducks rests with his defense, penalty killing and general peskiness.

"They're going to see a guy that plays both ends of the ice - keeps it simple, tries to create energy on the ice and make it hard for the other team to play," Ruutu said of his game. "Nothing fancy, but effective."

Ruutu happened to follow the Ducks on television recently, partly because he is a longtime teammate of Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu and Toni Lydman on Finland's national team.

"I know the guys pretty well," Ruutu said. "Many times before the season, the guys would come over here, especially Lydman and Teemu, and we would practice. We know each other."

EMERY DEBUT

Goalie Ray Emery could make his debut for the Ducks' organization today with Syracuse (AHL).

Crunch coach Mark Holick reportedly said it will be up to Emery to determine whether he's ready to play after warmups.

If Emery doesn't go Friday, it is likely he'll play Saturday.

The Anaheim Ducks have announced they have acquired gritty LW Jarkko Ruutu for a 6th round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft
By Matt Reitz
ProHockeyTalk
February 17, 2011

The Anaheim Ducks have announced they have acquired gritty LW Jarkko Ruutu for a 6th round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. If there were any questions that the fire-sale in Ottawa was in full swing, Bryan Murray is waiting for you on Line 1.

In Ruutu, the Ducks will look to add some much needed depth to their stable of forwards. In 50 games this season, Ruutu has 2 goals and 8 assists - but boxcar stats are beside the point. Ruutu will be a player who can step in from Day 1 and help the Ducks on their penalty kill unit and help keep the puck out of his own net more than anything else. Coming off the heels of a 7-6 loss to the Capitals, defense is probably in the forefront of Anaheim GM Bob Murray’s mind. And if he was looking for a guy who could fit with their team identity, Ruutu certainly fits the bill.

“Jarkko is an effective, two-way player that we feel will help us down the stretch,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray. “He’s the energetic, gritty type of addition we were looking for.”

From Ottawa’s point of view, they continue to sell anything that’s not bolted to the floor. In less than a week, Bryan Murray has acquired a 1st and conditional 2nd/3rd round pick in the Mike Fisher trade, a 2nd rounder for Chris Kelly, and now a 6th round pick for Ruutu. Needless to say, the white flag has been raised on the season and Murray is getting anything possible to help the future.

Ottawa exodus continues as Ruutu goes to Ducks for sixth-rounder
By Sean Leahy
Puck Daddy - NHL - Yahoo! Sports
February 17, 2011

First it was Mike Fisher(notes), then it was Chris Kelly(notes) and now it's Jarkko Ruutu(notes) that's heading out of the door in Ottawa as the Senators dealt him to the Anaheim Ducks for a 2011 sixth-round draft pick this evening.

Ruutu is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season and has seen his numbers dip lower than typical your Jarkko Ruutu statistics. But his presence in Anaheim with the likes of George Parros(notes), Maxim Lapierre(notes) and Corey Perry(notes) will remind some about the Ducks' 2007 Stanley Cup team that bruised their way through the playoffs.

Anaheim GM Bob Murray talked about his newest Duck.

From the Ducks:

"Jarkko is an effective, two-way player that we feel will help us down the stretch," said Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray. "He's the energetic, gritty type of addition we were looking for."

Speaking to the media after the deal was announced, Ruutu talked about the his situation in Ottawa and the recent moves made by the Senators.

On when he knew he may be traded soon:

It all comes down to how the team plays. When you're winning, there are no changes. When you are not winning and you're the bottom of the standings, you know there are going to be changes. With the year we have had, it's been a struggle. Going into free agency with my contract expiring, it's pretty natural that it would happen.

On Ottawa's changes:

The biggest surprise is that guys like Fisher and Kelly got moved. But the direction the Senators are going is young. They have to make changes and stock up on draft picks. There have been coaching changes the last couple of years, so I think they have to look the other way.

On a conference call tonight discussing the deal, Senators GM Bryan Murray said he wasn't done dealing and expects to make "a couple more" trades before the Feb. 28th deadline. Alexei Kovalev's name has been heavily rumored to be on the move as he enters the final months of his contract. Defenseman Chris Phillips(notes) has been another, but he stated earlier this week that he wants to stay in Ottawa and could force that with his no-trade clause.

Ducks pick up Ruutu from Senators
February 17, 2011

Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - The Anaheim Ducks made a depth move on Thursday, acquiring forward Jarkko Ruutu from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2011 draft.

The 35-year-old Finn posted just two goals and 10 points in 50 games with Ottawa this season. The Senators have slid to last place in the Northeast Division after losing 18 of their last 21 games since Christmas.

"Jarkko is an effective, two-way player that we feel will help us down the stretch," said Anaheim general manager Bob Murray. "He's the energetic, gritty type of addition we were looking for."

As of Thursday, the Ducks are locked in a five-way tie for fourth place in the competitive Western Conference. Nashville, San Jose, Dallas and Calgary also have 68 points.

The former third-round pick of Vancouver in 1998, Ruutu has built his reputation as a pest over 629 NHL games. He has recorded 57 goals and 140 points with 1,040 penalty minutes with the Canucks, Penguins and Senators since breaking into the league during the 1999-2000 season.

Ottawa Senators trade Jarkko Ruutu to Anaheim Ducks
Ottawa Citizen
February 17, 2011

OTTAWA - Jarkko Ruutu is the latest victim of the Ottawa Senators’ player purge.

The veteran agitator was shipped to the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, the third player in the last week sent packing by general manager Bryan Murray as he revamps the roster of the NHL’s second-worst team.

In return for Ruutu, 35, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, the Senators received a sixth-round pick in the 2011 NHL entry draft.

Ruutu follows forwards Mike Fisher and Chris Kelly out of Ottawa. More deals are expected in the days leading up to the Feb. 28 trade deadline.

“I’ve had a variety of calls,” he said. “I think, at some point, we know we need a core of players . . . so I suspect there will be a couple of more trades, at least.”

Ruutu, who is in the final year of a three-year deal, hasn’t had a great season. In 50 games, he has only two goals and eight assists. He’s shown little of his previous feistiness, recording just 59 penalty minutes.

As well, he was in and out of coach Cory Clouston’s doghouse, occasionally sitting as a healthy scratch.

He was particularly upset when Clouston scratched him a week ago in Vancouver, where he started his NHL career, and made some sharp comments about the coach.

If Ruutu had differences with Clouston, he didn’t voice them Thursday. He departed with grace.

“I guess it’s always surprising (to get traded),” he said, “but it all comes down to how the team is playing. When you’re not winning and you’re at the bottom of the standings, you know that changes are going to be made.

“And with free agency coming (for me) this summer, you knew it was going to happen.”

In Anaheim, Ruutu will join fellow Finns Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu and Toni Lydman, all of whom he knows well.

But he knows that playing in Anaheim, even if it’s in the playoffs, won’t be the same as playing in Ottawa.

“I like playing in Canadian cities where they are really passionate about the game,” he said. “I guess that’s the No. 1 thing that comes to mind.”

Ducks general manager Bob Murray thinks Ruutu can make a contribution as Anaheim attempts to secure a playoff spot in an extremely tight battle in Western Conference. Before games Thursday night, Anaheim was part of a five-way tie for fourth place in the conference, with the ninth-place team only a point behind.

“Jarkko is an effective, two-way player that we feel will help us down the stretch,” he said. “He’s the energetic, gritty type of addition we were looking for.”

One of the main names churning in the rumour mill is Ottawa defenceman Chris Phillips, who has a no-movement clause in his contract.

Murray said he talked to Phillips’ agent, J.P. Barry, on Thursday and they’ve agreed to talk again Friday. Murray suggested there was a “strong possibility” Phillips could be traded “if he were so inclined to do so.”

To replace Ruutu on the roster, the Senators recalled forward Francis Lessard, a 31-year-old who played 91 NHL games with the Atlanta Thrashers over parts of four seasons.

Senators trade F Ruutu to Ducks for sixth-round draft pick
TSN.ca Staff
February 17, 2011

The Ottawa Senators have traded winger Jarkko Ruutu to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2011 NHL entry draft.

The 35-year-old was minus-2 with two goals and eight assists in 50 games this season for the Senators.

"Jarkko is an effective, two-way player that we feel will help us down the stretch," said Ducks executive vice-president and general manager Bob Murray in a statement. "He's the energetic, gritty type of addition we were looking for."

Ruutu has spent the past three seasons in Ottawa, and has played for Pittsburgh and Vancouver over his 11 years in the league.

Ruutu is earning $1.3 million this season in the last year of a three-year deal with the Senators. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

The Ducks said via Twitter on Thursday afternoon that Ruutu will not be able to join the Ducks until he receives a work visa.

Ruutu becomes the third Ottawa player to be traded in the last week. Senators general manager Bryan Murray dealt Mike Fisher to Nashville on Feb. 10, and Chris Kelly to Boston on Tuesday.

The Senators already have injuries to forwards Daniel Alfredsson and Jesse Winchester, defencemen Sergei Gonchar and Chris Campoli, as well as goalie Pascal Leclaire.

To fill out the line-up for Friday's home game against the Boston Bruins, the Senators are expected to dress forwards Colin Greening, Erik Condra, and Bobby Butler, along with defenceman Andre Benoit. Another player is expected to be recalled from Binghamton (AHL) to take Ruutu's spot on the roster.

The Bruins-Senators match-up can be seen on TSN, Friday at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt.

Ducks send pick to Senators for LW Jarkko Ruutu
February 17, 2011

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - The Anaheim Ducks have acquired left wing Jarkko Ruutu(notes) from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a sixth-round selection in the this year’s NHL entry draft.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray says Ruutu is the energetic, gritty player the team was seeking.

Ruutu had two goals, eight assists and 59 penalty minutes in 50 games with the Senators this season. He’s also played for Vancouver and Pittsburgh in his career.