Canes forward Tuomo Ruutu is expected to be sidelined three weeks with an upper-body injury, general manager Jim Rutherford said today.
Ruutu was injured Monday early in the Canes' 5-3 win in Montreal over the Canadiens and did not return to the game. Ruutu underwent an MRI today.
Rutherford said Ruutu's injury would not affect or put on hold the ongoing negotiations on a contract extension or reaching a decision on his future with the team.
"It will have no impact," Rutherford said. "The fact that we'd like him to stay and like to re-sign him has not changed in any way."
How it might affect teams interested in trading for Ruutu is another matter. Due to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, Ruutu has been the subject of much trade speculation as the NHL trade deadline approaches.
Ruutu leads the Canes with 17 goals and is tied for second in points with 30.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
I thought Ruutu already had
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 19:25 — ctillI thought Ruutu already had his bags packed. First JR breaks precedent a second time by negotiating a contract in season, and now this. Maybe we'll see Ruutu here in April after all.
So he will miss
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 19:05 — gf1011126 or 7 games??? Other men will have to step up. Keep Stewart in Tuomo's place! The Canes are playing great as a team. Shouldn't be a problem for 6 or 7 games. Kirk knows what to do. Jim, if he can still sign his name get him inked while he's out!!!
Ruutu
Wed, 02/15/2012 - 11:01 — rvrbataJim, The Canes have been playing really well for the past month or so & Ruutu is a key player looking ahead. This guys works hard every game & makes things happen. Players who have come up from Charlotte have played well especially Bowman & earlier Dalpe. Hoping one of these guys catch fire..we need another sniper.Also another solid guy on defense. Faulk has been a delight. When this team skates & digs & play hard for 60 minutes they can beat anyone. Kirk & the coaching staff has done a fine job. We need Ruutu, don't let him get away...I also love guys like Dwyer & Nodl who always seem to work their tails off....
He does play like a whirling dervish
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 18:56 — sftwareguyHe has had his share of injuries but it seemed he had slowed down a little this year (not in the bad sense). Last night was probably a fluke, but **it happens.
Hope he makes it back fully and gets to finish the year healthy.
In the meantime, kudos to Muller. Looking very much forward to next year for a change knowing we at least have the coach we need.