Source: Pens, Lightning among teams interested in Jarkko Ruutu

Pens have renewed interest in Ruutu

GM Ray Shero tried to re-acquire Jarkko Ruutu prior to the March 2009 trade deadline and two years later, the Penguins have renewed interest in the Ottawa Senators winger, sources tell Inside Pittsburgh Sports.

Ruutu who was believed to have been on the Penguins target list prior to the Evgeni Malkin injury, makes even more sense now as Matt Cooke is a top-6 winger on this hockey club as constructed, and another reason I’m told of the Penguins pursuit of Ruutu is due to Arron Asham’s inability to stay healthy this season.

Pens GM Ray Shero prides himself on making the Penguins one of the toughest teams up and down the lineup. Ruutu would give them another added dimension.

However, several teams are expressing interest in Ruutu, including the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Ruutu, 35, has 2 goals and 10 points on the season and a minus-1 rating on one of the worst defensive hockey teams in the national hockey league.

Ruutu’s battled some injuries this season but had an excellent 2009-2010 campaign, collecting a career-high 12 goals.