Tuomo Ruutu is a retired Finnish professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade. He was born on February 16, 1983, in Vantaa, Finland, and began his hockey career playing for the Jokerit junior team in Helsinki.
Ruutu was drafted ninth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2003-2004 season and quickly established himself as a physical and aggressive player. He played for the Blackhawks for six seasons, scoring 57 goals and 77 assists in 328 games.
In February 2008, Ruutu was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, where he played for six seasons. He was a key player for the Hurricanes, known for his hard work and physical play. He scored 57 goals and 75 assists in 346 games for the Hurricanes.
In March 2015, Ruutu was traded to the New Jersey Devils, where he played for one season before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in February 2016. He retired from professional hockey at the end of the 2015-2016 season.
Ruutu also represented Finland in international play, winning a silver medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. He also played in the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and several World Championships.
Throughout his career, Ruutu was known for his physical play and work ethic. He was a versatile player who could play both center and wing positions. He was also known for his leadership qualities, serving as an alternate captain for the Hurricanes and Devils.
Off the ice, Ruutu was involved in several charitable organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House. He was also known for his sense of humor and positive attitude.
In conclusion, Tuomo Ruutu had a successful career in the NHL, playing for three different teams over the course of over a decade. He was known for his physical play, work ethic, and leadership qualities, and represented Finland in international play. He retired from professional hockey in 2016 and has since been involved in charitable work.
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