Canes forward Tuomo Ruutu underwent successful shoulder surgery today, the team has announced.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Marty Isbell at Rex Surgery Center in Cary. Ruutu will require four to five months of rehabilitation.
Ruutu had 14 goals and had 21 assists (35 points) in 54 games this and leads the the Canes' forwards in hits.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Good news?
Thu, 03/25/2010 - 23:31 — sbharrell"Maybe Mr. Ruutu will adopt his style of play to be less punishing on the body and more finesse. "
Maybe he can join Disney on Ice. Or join Clay Aikens new hockey team.
Opinion
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 09:41 — Lainienc"Maybe he can join Disney on Ice. Or join Clay Aikens new hockey team."
Mr. Ruutu has the skill/talent/smarts to alter the way he finishes his checks so as not to risk repeated re-injury to his shoulder. Repeated injury/same style = shortened career. I think he can adapt to focus on his finess skills. Not Disney, its just working on a different part of his game so his body doesn't get banged up and we can enjoy his play longer. Seems rational to me. Personally, I'd prefer to see him have a long career.
Not to be a pessimist
Thu, 03/25/2010 - 16:27 — wxray1But...
This is serious stuff. We saw it with Kaberle and Stillman. Both were quoted the same 4 to 6 months. Both struggled for a while after that. Kabs never really recovered. It took nearly 1 yr for Stillman to get back to form.
Vinny Lecavlier in Tampa has struggled significantly after his surgery. He had a lost season where he was present, but not doing well.
I'm sure Ruuuutu will be in Finland for the opener. That may be one reason for doing it now. I just hope the team is realistic with his rehab and doesn't over do it. I don't expect Ruuts to be back to good form until about Jan 1 next year.
Good News
Thu, 03/25/2010 - 14:25 — LainiencMr. Alexander, thank you for the update.
Hopefully Mr. Ruutu's rehabilitation goes very well. Maybe Mr. Ruutu will adopt his style of play to be less punishing on the body and more finesse. He certainly has the all-around talent and the hockey smarts to do so. It certainly is fun to watch him play.