New deal, invitation to the World Cup

[jRuutu 2,474]

After a dramatic ending to the playoffs, things were not looking good for the Finnish center Jarmo Ruutu: no new contract, a likely trade away from Moscow due to cap reasons, and icing on the cake a tough depreciation hit was waiting. As night changes to morning, the familiar sound of a trusty Volvo S70 quietly sings its sweet melody - Jarmo Ruutu is still in Moscow. In a short period of time things turned around completely, George Richmond, a Ferrari F40 - something and someone everybody wanted and admired, was traded to New York. Some time later Ruutu signed a new deal with Moscow. It was a story very few saw coming as the reliable Volvo S70 - Jarmo Ruutu, was showing clear signs of rust and freezing when it mattered the most, but still the management saw enough in the Finnish center that they felt comfortable having Ruutu back in the team and potentially in a big role.

 

Despite his age and signs of rust, stories coming in from Moscow camp suggest Jarmo Ruutu has looked better than perhaps ever before during the off-season. Instead of showing up late and in ok shape just before training camp, Ruutu has reportedly put in a lot of effort to be in great shape, instead of going for a holiday Ruutu has stayed in Moscow to exercise and practice. Some sources near the team have said the upcoming season could even be a career-best for Ruutu, not only because he gets a real chance to show his skills in the first line, but because he has taken the off-season so seriously.

 

The dedication and hard work have opened doors and opportunities now already. Ruutu got an invitation to represent Team Nordic in the S96 World Cup!  Last time around the team won Bronze by beating Canada. The Team Nordic roster is once again full of top-end talent, so it will be interesting to see how the lines will be built as centers like Gunner and Tuominen have more star power than Ruutu. One of the three will more than likely have to play in the winger position, which could take some time to get used to as all three have spent most of their careers playing in the middle, but then again when a team has three centers you also have the luxury to create different line combinations if something does not work. Going into the tournament Team Nordic has all the potential to reach the final and to bring home something more shiny than a bronze medal.

 

It is going to be interesting to see what the long off-season brings. The upcoming draft could shape up the Moscow roster even more if trades are made. The World Cup could give even more signs of what kind of season Jarmo Ruutu will have as competing against the best of the best is a good way to show the world what you can do. A strong tournament will only boost the confidence of Ruutu.