Long-time NHLer and 10-year scout for the Columbus Blue Jackets is leaving the organization, according to an interview he did with Tommi Koivunen.
Ruutu tells Koivunen that he is now a “free agent” and “in a state of transition.”
Ruutu was hired by former GM Jarmo Kekäläinen in 2015 as a European Development Coach. Per the Blue Jackets, "In his role, Ruutu primarily works with young players throughout the organization, assisting in the development of prospects playing in professional leagues and various major junior leagues across Europe."
In the Interview he says, "It was a nice job. I saw a lot of different guys and their journey from the time they were drafted. Many of them established their place in the NHL. It was nice to work with them, and when it paid off."
He went on to say that "Now was a pretty natural time to leave, as (Columbus) doesn't have many players in Europe." He and his family live in Helsinki, Finland.
Ruutu played in 652 career NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks.
Ruutu is still listed on the Jackets website, and it seems the team has yet to make it official.
Good luck to Jarkko Ruutu!
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