What The Hell Moment

July 23, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

So, earlier today, the Hurricanes re-signed forward Tuomu Ruutu. Somehow, an underachieving second liner got three years, $11.4 million.

Can anyone please explain how off his first 50+ point season, the 26 year-old Ruutu was able to score this kind of deal from Jim Rutherfoolrd? Granted. The former 2001 ninth overall pick earned $2.25 million last season while establishing new career bests in goals (26), assists (28) and points (54). He also went 1-3-4 minus-3 in 16 playoff games, completely disappearing.

Indeed, the Finn’s been a good player for the Candy Canes since coming over from Chicago for Andrew Ladd in one of those deals that works out well for both parties. But I’d hardly call him a $3.8 million player.  How a day following the Devils giving No.1 center Travis Zajac essentially the same deal (4 yrs, $15.55 M) does Ruutu get that? Is it Lou Lamoriello again having imaginary psychic powers that come in the form of good tasting spiked Kool Aid? Or can it just be that Rutherford suffered from a momentary Glen Sather lapse? As much as we’d love to buy into our conspiracy theory, we’re going with the latter.

Funny how a bunch of Diablo fans got their panties in a bunch the closer Zajac was to Friday’s arbitration hearing. Did anyone really think Lou wouldn’t work something out with his team’s top pivot? You’d think after all the years (especially getting Zach Parise on the cheap) that those nervous nellies would’ve realized their incredible folly, putting faith in their Hall of Fame GM to get it done. Thankfully in these parts, we have the level headed Hasan who didn’t push the panic button. He also knows the difference between a well run club and a nonsensical one in another sport.

So, here’s a little comparison for the fortunate Kool Aid supporters who don’t have to worry whether their senile GM will trade instead of re-signing a possiblel No.1 center a year younger in Brandon Dubinsky:

Player         Yr          Salary

Zajac           ’09-10  2.75 M

Ruutu          ’09-10  3 M

Zajac            10-11   3.5 M

Ruutu           10-11   4 M

Zajac              11-12   4.5 M

Ruutu             11-12   4.4 M

Zajac               12-13   4.8 M

Ruutu              12-13   ???

Who would you rather have? Case closed.