Jarkko Ruutu
Finland- Early Life and Career
- NHL Debut
- Career Highlights
- Suspensions and Controversies
- International Play
- Personal Life
Early Life and Career
Jarkko Ruutu was born on August 23, 1975, in Vantaa, Finland. He began his professional hockey career in 1996-97 with HIFK Helsinki in the Finnish SM-liiga. Ruutu played two seasons with HIFK before being drafted in the third round, 68th overall, by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
NHL Debut
Ruutu made his NHL debut with the Canucks in the 2001-02 season after spending several years in the American Hockey League (AHL). Known for his gritty playing style, he quickly established himself as one of the league's most effective agitators.
Career Highlights
Ruutu had his best NHL season in 2005-06, scoring 10 goals and adding seven assists for the Canucks. He also recorded 142 penalty minutes, a testament to his physical style of play. In 2006, he became a free agent and signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 2008, he joined the Ottawa Senators on a three-year, $3.9 million contract.
Suspensions and Controversies
Ruutu has been suspended several times throughout his career for incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct. In 2008, he received a two-game suspension for elbowing Maxim Lapierre. In 2009, he was suspended two games and fined $31,707 for biting Buffalo Sabres forward Andrew Peters.
International Play
Ruutu has represented Finland in multiple international tournaments, including six World Championships where he won two silver and one bronze medal. He also won a silver medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.
Personal Life
Ruutu has two brothers, Tuomo and Mikko, who were also professional hockey players. His nickname is "Roots."
