Getting to Know a Duck: Jarkko Ruutu

by Chris Burton on Apr 11, 2011 2:00 PM EDT in Nashville Predators Player Profiles

In advance of the Preds' series with the Anaheim Ducks, OtF will be taking a look at three Ducks who fly under the radar but could have a large impact on the series. First up: Jarkko Ruutu.

In today's NHL, most teams have what is known as an agitator, such as Jordin Tootoo, Steve Ott, or Sean Avery - players who toe the line of what's "clean", but contribute to their squad in a positive way. The Anaheim Ducks happen to "boast" more than one, with Corey Perry, Brad Winchester, and George Parros all doing their part in aggravating the opposition. Those players, though, have some redeeming qualities. Jarkko Ruutu does not, but could have an important part to play.

Jarkko Ruutu

#37 / Left Wing / Anaheim Ducks

Height: 6-1

Weight: 204

Born: Aug 23, 1975

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2010 - Jarkko Ruutu	73	3	9	12	-2	97	0	0	1		66

Scouting Report

Assets	Always plays an in-your-face style and is well suited for the North American game. Kills penalties effectively. Has plenty of versatility. Excels in shootouts.
Flaws	Doesn't own top-end offensive skills. Has a tendency to deliver questionable hits, which often rile up the opposition and hurt his team.
Career Potential	Effective agitating winger with defensive skills.

Ruutu's favorite pastime is stirring up trouble, likely with the end goal of putting his team on the power play. Very often, though, he ends up in the sin bin. With 97 penalty minutes on the year, the Nashville Predators may be able to take advantage of his recklessness, provided they don't give in to the temptation of engaging him. I'm looking at you, Jordin and Shane.

As the series wears on, expect to see Ruutu try to put some Preds in the penalty box. If Nashville can stay disciplined, they may well end up with some crucial power play opportunities courtesy of a player who isn't averse to dropping the...teeth?

OtF stick tap to Japers' Rink for the inspiration behind this post.

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Comments

George Parros' redeeming qualities

Include a mighty mustache and a degree from Princeton. And his dad is some power player in the Toys R Us organization.

"I don't know who this 'J.R. Lind' is." -- George Plaster
Inventor of the AMTWBC meme
Proud member of The Frozen Chosen
The Velvet Hammer

by JRTheByLineGrinder on Apr 11, 2011 2:04 PM EDT reply actions

He legit smart too

Not just like breezed through. Has a degree in Econ and wrote his senior thesis on labor disputes.
Also, that mustache is ridiculous.

I live in the OC.
The one in OH.

by MattBen on Apr 11, 2011 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh yeah he's no joke

The Sporting News said he was probably the fourth smartest pro athlete. In the Scene this week I call him the worst kind of person – a nerd and a bully. With a mustache greater than what anybody else could dream of achieving.

"I don't know who this 'J.R. Lind' is." -- George Plaster
Inventor of the AMTWBC meme
Proud member of The Frozen Chosen
The Velvet Hammer

by JRTheByLineGrinder on Apr 11, 2011 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions