Don't Forget Jan Rutta Is Playing The Team Who Traded Him Away
The San Jose Sharks acquired Jan Rutta when they sent Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports - Don't Forget Jan Rutta Is Playing The Team Who Traded Him AwayDon't forget that San Jose Sharks defenseman Jan Rutta was a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins last season.
Rutta was a piece of the puzzle regarding the Erik Karlsson trade. The big right-handed defenseman has been a valuable part of the Sharks blueline.
Yes, tonight will focus on Karlsson's return to the Bay Area, but Rutta shouldn't be forgotten.
"A little bit of extra motivation, not that you really need it in the NHL, but it's gonna be nice, playing against a lot of familiar faces," Rutta said.
Rutta played 56 games for Pittsburgh and had three goals and six assists. Rutta got to play with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, which could give him an edge in defending them tonight.
"Every time you know the routines, you know a little bit more about the player," Rutta explained. "I find that definitely helpful. It was definitely a really good experience to see how those guys operate and how they work."
Rutta says the Sharks have moved past the horrific game against the Vancouver Canucks. Given the recent history between these two teams, Rutta feels that if the Sharks win tonight, it would be special.
"It would be pretty funny. Obviously, last game was horrible, so I think everybody wants to do a lot better," Rutta said. "[Karlsson] was a big part of this team in the years prior, so it will be it will be definitely special."
Rutta will be paired with Nikita Okhotiuk for the second straight game.
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