Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said today he has met with forward Tuomo Ruutu to discuss Ruutu's future with the team, and said a decision should be reached next week.
Rutherford said Ruutu, due to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, expressed a desire to stay with the team.
"These meetings are to see where the player is at, what they think of the team, whether he likes being in the organization, those things," Rutherford said. "Tuomo is a player we really like, and he said he likes being with the team. That's an important first step and we had a good meeting.
"The next hurdle may be the bigger hurdle, but at least we know we're on the same page."
The "hurdle" will be the length of contract and the dollars involved. Ruutu, who leads the Canes with 17 goals, has a $4.4 million salary this season.
Rutherford said he did not discuss contract details with Ruutu but now would begin that process with Ruutu's agent, Bill Zito. Ruutu, who turns 29 this month, is believed to seeking a long-term deal.
Rutherford had not negotiated a contract with a Hurricanes player during the season until this year, when he re-signed defenseman Tim Gleason to a four-year contract extension worth $16 million.
"We have now made re-signing Tuomo a priority," Rutherford said. "If we're not able to agree, both sides need to have some leeway and some options. We need to make a decision and he needs to make a decision."
Ruutu still could be traded before the NHL's Feb. 27 trade deadline. Rutherford said he would not put a number on the amount of teams that have inquired about acquiring Ruutu but said, "There has been significant interest in Tuomo."
The Canes are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks that had a controversial ending. Jussi Jokinen was tripped by the Ducks' Corey Perry behind the Carolina net in overtime, but no penalty was called. Moments later, Perry scored the winner.
Rutherford said he talked with league officials about no-call by the referees a couple of times Thursday and had a conversation with Terry Gregson, the NHL's director of officiating.
"I don't want to get into the details but I feel fine with how the league is handling the situation," Rutherford said. "I'm very satisfied with the way the league responded. It's unfortunate the game was decided the way it was."
One upside to the game Rutherford mentioned was the play of forward Anthony Stewart, who was placed on waivers Monday by the Hurricanes but went unclaimed. Stewart responded with one of his better games Wednesday.
Stewart, signed to a two-year free-agent contract last July, has been used primarily as a fourth-line winger under coach Kirk Muller.
"That's all part of that process," Rutherford said of waivers. "Kirk talked to (Stewart) about playing a certain way. He has not quite responded to that. Sometimes, these can be wakeup calls."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Regardless of how the negotiations go...
Fri, 02/10/2012 - 12:28 — hockeyhick...at least it seems like Jim Rutherford is determined not to be left with nothing at the end. It seems as if we have seen the end of the stubborn policy of no in-season negotiations. Yet another valuable lesson it seems he has learned this year.
Who are the refs...
Fri, 02/10/2012 - 00:29 — gf101112gonna be on the 23rd??? Did Jim ask that during his conversation with the league officals???
Ruutu
Thu, 02/09/2012 - 23:04 — CaneMeWhats there to think about? You have a player that hustles, loves the game, enjoys playing for the Canes, and has (more than once) commented that the money is not that important to him... but leaves the negoitiations up to his agent. Ruutu is loved by the Canes followers. He rarely dissappoints us for what he produces. Past history shows that Rutherford has (sorry to say this) is a pooooooor communicator. He has let multiple past players go because he has held his cards close to his chest, but I must give him some 'props'... he has gone outside his normal boundaries by signing Gleason in season and has actually sat down with Toumo to gage his interest. Ruutu will and should be in a Canes sweater for years to come.
Ruutu and Stewart
Thu, 02/09/2012 - 20:30 — abramsdougI remain cautiously optimistic that Jim Rutherford will be able to sign Ruutu to an extension. I think Ruutu is part of the foundation of the team. Hopefully, Jim Rutherford will give some on the term of the contract and will add a year or two, and Ruutu will give some on the price per year. With all the young forwards soon to be taking roster spots, having Ruutu's leadership would be very important.
I thought Stewart responded very well to the disappointment of being put on waivers. Stewart can be a very good player; and if he plays each shift the way he played last night, he can make a very positive contribution to the team. The Hurricanes need his size and speed, if he'll play with consistent intensity; and Muller and MacLean can help Stewart reach his potential. I hope it all works out with Ruutu and with Stewart.
If the money is right...
Fri, 02/10/2012 - 12:15 — hockeyhick...I'd like to have Ruutu back. I could live with a 4 year, 20mil contract, but I would like to count on more offense for that money. Any more than that (term or annul salary) would be too much. Regardless of how the negotiations end up, I am at least comfortable that we will end up with either Ruutu or some assets in the end (not like with Cole.) I guess I am indifferent as to which way the scenario goes so long as we end up with something.
As for Anthony Stewart...SOMETHING is worng if a 6'3, 230#, former 1st-rounder is on his 3rd organization in 3 years and passes through waivers. He has all the tools, and has been given ample opportunity to prove himself and hasn't done it. I doubt very seriously he will be a Hurricane next season and firmly believe he will be traded in a package deal at the draft.