Ruutu took a step back last season, having notched only three goals and nine assists between Ottawa and Anaheim last season. Now an unrestricted free agent, Ruutu could see hiring papers from any club that needs a serviceable weapon on the penalty kill. Fantasy owners, on the other hand, might appreciate his knack for spending time in the Sin Bin. In 11 years at the NHL level, Ruutu has accumulated 1,078 PIMs. Still, there should be no rush in picking up Ruutu as long as he remains unemployed.
Ruutu had a career year in 2009-10, notching 12 goals and 14 assists in 82 games. He'll see a lot of time on one of Ottawa's penalty killing units, but won't see much, if any, time on the power play. Ruutu should get over 100 penalty minutes and upwards of 20 points during the 2010-11 season.
Ruutu will once again be the thinking man's agitator on Ottawa's 4th line and will be expected to help shut down opposing teams' offensive lines. He's not known for his offense, but he's lights out in shootouts.
The super-pest from Finland will be fun to watch in Ottawa as he enters his first year as a Senator. He'll likely play on Ottawa's 3rd or 4th line and will draw many a power play for the Sens. As an added bonus, Ruutu is great in shootouts.
Ruutu proved to be the pest Pittsburgh was looking for last year, as he raised his level of play as the season progressed. He finished with 16 points (7,9) in 81 games, but registered 125 PIM along the way. Expect more of the same in 2007-08.
Ruutu will provide fantasy teams with a consistent source of penalty minutes but little else from a high-production position -- winger. He picked up 142 PIM. The 31-year-old forward played in all 82 games for Vancouver last year, scoring 10 goals and adding seven assists, both career highs.
Ruutu is an in-your-face type of player. He earns points with grit more than talent. He's not gifted offensively, but he can be used in various situations. His ceiling is probably 25 points, but he'll struggle even trying to reach that total.
