Ruutu: 'There's nothing I can really do'

Canes defenseman Tim Gleason called constant trade speculation a "nightmare" after signing a contract extension Monday that put it to an end.

Tuomo Ruutu? The forward now has moved closer to the center of the trade storm. Ruutu said today he has had no contract negotiations with Canes management, but insisted he's not affected or burdened by the rumors floating about the NHL.

"I've heard rumors I'm going to every team in the NHL," a smiling Ruutu said after the morning skate at the RBC Center. "I must be really playing well.

"You hear rumors but I think everybody is different. We're all human. Some guys take it more seriously, some take it less seriously. Everybody has their own way of dealing with it. I hear about stuff but there's nothing I can really do, so ...

"It's nice to be back playing so I don't have to think about this stuff."

"This stuff" includes TSN's Darren Dreger saying Ruutu likely would be traded this week. The rumors include Ruutu going to the Predators, Penguins, Blackhawks, Bruins, Maple Leafs.

Ruutu said he spent the All-Star break last week with his family in a warm spot. Asked how many calls he took from his agent, he laughed.

"To be honest, none," he said. "I had a vacation, so none."

Ruutu then added, "I don't think my agent can do anything right now."

Ruutu, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, leads the Canes with 15 goals and is fourth in points with 26. He has a team-high 97 hits, and his physical play, his versatilty at center and wing -- not to mention his recent durability considering the injuries he has had in his career -- make him a key trade target of several teams.

For now, Ruutu said, "It's just try to win some games. Looking at the standings, we still have a really good chance of making it (to the playoffs.) Try to win a couple in a row and go from there."

At the skate, Ruutu was on Eric Staal's line with Jiri Tlusty. Brandon Sutter had Pat Dwyer and Andreas Nodl on the wings, and Tim Brent was centering Chad LaRose and Anthony Stewart.

Riley Nash, called up Monday from the Charlotte Checkers (AHL), was centering the second line with Jeff Skinner and Jussi Jokinen on the wings. Canes coach Kirk Muller had taken a look at Skinner at center since his return from a concussion but said Skinner -- who scored goals in each of the last two games before the All-Star break -- might be more suitable on the left side.

"It gives Skinner more room to play offensively, being on the wing," Muller said. "I think it gives him a chance to get more ice time that way.

"(Nash) is a smart player and uses people well. I think he can find Jokinen and Skinner for the plays."

Defensively, Muller will stay with the six who played before the All-Star break. Jaroslav Spacek, he said, needs a few more hard practices before rejoining the lineup.

Cam Ward will be in goal for the ninth straight game.