• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

Devils Swap Loktionov for Ruutu

ByVernon McKenzie

Mar 5, 2014

As the Trade Deadline inched closer, many were on the edge of their seats waiting to see if the legendary Marty Brodeur would be dealt. What got lost in the shuffle is the Devils’ need for a scorer and a solid forward. Lou Lamoriello remained focused amidst the Brodeur frenzy and make a deal to bring in a former first round draft selection in Tuomo Ruutu from the Carolina Hurricanes. The Devils sent forward Andrei Loktionov and a conditional 3rd round pick in the 2017 draft to Carolina.

Ruutu, a former first round draft selection of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2001, has 5 goals and 11 assists in 57 games for the Hurricanes this year. Over his career, Ruutu has 138 goals and 186 assists in 606 games over 10 seasons with the Blackhawks and the Hurricanes. Ruutu was also a member of the Finnish National team at the 2010 and 2014 Olympic Games, receiving a bronze medal in both.

This year Loktionov had 4 goals and 8 assists in 48 games with the Devils. In 76 games with the Devils, Loktionov recorded 12 goals, 12 assists, and a 0 rating. Loktionov was acquired by the Devils last season from the LA Kings.

Although Ruutu may not be a big name forward or scorer many might have wanted to bring in on this trade deadline day, he is still a serviceable forward who’s play is gritty and will fit in with the Devils’ style of play. He does have a scoring touch and has score 15+ goals in 5 different seasons. Ruutu also brings experience, being 31 and playing in 10 seasons, including this season. Just as any trade, only time will tell whether each team received the result they were looking for.

 

Mike Panus: PureSportsNY

By Vernon McKenzie

Graduate of New Institute Of Technology with a BA in Communications with a focus on Television Radio. Owner and Executive Producer of PureSportsNY

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