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 [https://www.is.fi/nhl/art-2000011446237.html]. 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! Let us know what you think below. Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwm-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and never miss a story. More From THN Columbus 51 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #51 [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/c6d6a4b9-eae9-441a-886f-b18b945afd48.webp] 51 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #51 The Columbus Blue Jackets have 51 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today we look at the history of jersey #51. There weren`t many that used the number, but at least one had a pretty good career. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/51-days-until-opening-night-at-nwa-the-history-of-jersey-51] Former Blue Jackets Forward Signs With Panthers [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/cd754326-e078-4758-9c75-66f89fa35689.jpeg] Former Blue Jackets Forward Signs With Panthers Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Luke Kunin has signed with the<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers" target="_blank"> Florida Panthers</a> on a one-year contract. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/former-blue-jackets-forward-signs-with-panthers] How Former Blue Jacket Jussi Jokinen Ended Up On 4 Teams In One Season [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/10a20f1a-7bcb-42af-bde2-53bf999730dc.jpeg] How Former Blue Jacket Jussi Jokinen Ended Up On 4 Teams In One Season Let's rewind all the way back to the 2017-18 NHL season, when former <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/" target="_blank">Columbus Blue Jackets</a> forward Jussi Jokinen accomplished a very rare feat of playing on four different teams in the same season. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/how-former-blue-jacket-jussi-jokinen-ended-up-on-4-teams-in-one-season]
