According to a great source in Finland, Tuomo Ruutu is off the market and leaning towards remaining a Carolina Hurricane with a four-year contract extension. This is great news for Canes fans and another example of players really loving to play hockey in Carolina.

I can't tell you how many players I know have said it is one of the best places you can play NHL hockey, live, and raise your family. Personally, having spent time there covering the Cup run and also last year's All-Star game I can't disagree. All you need to do is walk through the parking lot and partake in a tailgate bbq or talk to the local fans and you'll know...these people are awesome folks. Real, down to earth, and crazy about this game.

To this day, Game 7 in Carolina was as loud from beginning to end as any hockey game I have witnessed live including Philly, Montreal, even Canada/USA for the gold in Vancouver. During Game 7, the Carolina fans STOOD the entire time in the great tradition of college basketball in the area. I have never seen hockey crowd refuse to sit down from puck drop to buzzer.

Ruutu could have gotten more money elsewhere as UFA on July 1... but this is a case where he clearly loved the town and the franchise.

So, a big forward is off the market....let the other dominoes begin...

UPDATE: The deal is $4.75M cap hit over 4 years. The actual number is higher as the years go.

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