Jarkko Ruutu is a former professional ice hockey player from Finland who is best known for his time playing for HIFK Helsinki in the Finnish Elite League (Liiga). In addition to his successful career in Europe, Ruutu also played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 11 seasons, most notably for the Vancouver Canucks and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
During his time in the Liiga, Ruutu quickly became known as a tough and gritty player, racking up penalty minutes while also putting up solid offensive numbers. This style of play caught the attention of NHL scouts, and he was selected 68th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
After playing two more seasons with HIFK Helsinki, Ruutu made the jump to the NHL in 2003. He quickly established himself as a hard-hitting forward who wasn’t afraid to get physical and draw the ire of opposing players. This style of play made him a fan favorite in Vancouver, as he quickly became known for his antics on the ice and his entertaining interviews off the ice.
Ruutu’s most successful season in the NHL came in 2006-07 when he recorded career-highs in goals (11), assists (14), and points (25) with the Canucks. He was also a valuable member of the team’s penalty kill unit and was known for his tenacious forechecking and ability to disrupt the opposition’s offensive flow.
In 2008, Ruutu was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he continued to be a valuable role player. He played a key role in the team’s 2009 Stanley Cup victory, providing a physical presence on the ice and contributing 9 points in 17 playoff games.
After his stint in Pittsburgh, Ruutu returned to Europe and spent the final years of his career playing in Russia, Switzerland, and his native Finland. He retired from professional hockey in 2016, finishing his career with 35 goals and 54 assists in 652 NHL games.
Today, Ruutu is remembered as a hard-working and hard-hitting player who was known for his pest-like behavior on the ice. Despite being a polarizing figure amongst opponents, he was beloved by teammates and fans for his never-give-up attitude and tough, physical style of play.
Upper Deck, one of the most trusted names in the sports collectibles industry, recognized Ruutu’s impact on the hockey world by including him in their 2007-08 Upper Deck Series 1 set. The card features a photo of Ruutu in his Vancouver Canucks uniform, with his trademark toothless grin on full display.
In addition to the photo, the card also includes Ruutu’s autograph, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors. A limited number of the cards were also signed in gold ink, creating an even more unique and desirable collectible.
Whether you’re a fan of Jarkko Ruutu, a collector of hockey cards, or a fan of tough and physical hockey, the Upper Deck Jarkko Ruutu card is a must-have for any collection. It’s a great way to commemorate the career of one of the most memorable players to ever lace up the skates in the NHL and the Liiga.