Thrashers Sign Free Agent Center Steve Rucchin

[Thrillhouse]

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Thrashers have signed unrestricted free agent center Steve Rucchin, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

“Steve is a proven veteran with a versatile skill-set that will complement any combination of our wingers, said Waddell. “He possesses solid offensive skills, is strong on face-offs and brings additional character and leadership to our line-up.”

Rucchin, 34, has recorded 468 points (166 goals, 302 assists) in 688 NHL games in 11 seasons with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and New York Rangers. He has recorded 50-or-more points in a season five times and has scored 20-or-more goals on three occasions. In 37 NHL playoff games with the Mighty Ducks and Rangers, he has recorded 17 points (nine goals, eight assists).

The 6-3, 215-pound center played in 72 games for the Rangers in 2005-06, his lone season with the team, recording 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists). In four playoff games with the Rangers, he tallied one goal.

Originally selected by Anaheim in the 1994 NHL Supplemental Draft, Rucchin spent 10 seasons with the Mighty Ducks, tallying 432 points (153 goals, 279 assists) in 616 games. The native of Thunder Bay, Ontario helped the Mighty Ducks reach the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals, scoring a team-high seven goals while adding three assists for 10 points in 21 playoff games.

Prior to his professional career, Rucchin played four seasons (1990-94) at the University of Western Ontario of the OUAA, recording 192 points (93 goals, 99 assists) in 140 games. He was named an OUAA All-Star his final three seasons and was Player of the Year and a First Team All-Canadian selection for his senior season.

[Isles4life]

They needed to replace Savard with another quality center, but Rucchin isn't really offensive-minded.

[bengino]

Rucchin seems like a poor man's Scott Mellanby, both guys have approximately the same upside... only Mellanby is more offensive minded.

[bigjack]

Originally Posted by bengino

Rucchin seems like a poor man's Scott Mellanby, both guys have approximately the same upside... only Mellanby is more offensive minded.

Just a thought but isn't Mellanby a winger and has over 2400 penalty minutes lifetime whereas Rucchin is a center with less than 200 minutes lifetime. I watched Rucchin all of last season and he was ok but is a pretty mellow guy for a big man. Mellanby has always been a guy who can be mean and tough in the front of the net!

[Lead]

I dont like this signing... I would better prefer some younger north american player over old euro Rucchin.
Anyway, I hope this is short term contract.

[TNG]

Originally Posted by Lead

I dont like this signing... I would better prefer some younger north american player over old euro Rucchin.
Anyway, I hope this is short term contract.

Last time I checked Canada wasn't a european country.

Rucchin is a good center and a good leader but his age is starting to get a hold on him.

[Lead]

Originally Posted by TNG

Last time I checked Canada wasn't a european country.

Rucchin is a good center and a good leader but his age is starting to get a hold on him.

Ups.. my mistake. Whatever.

[Fotiu_63]

As a Ranger fan I couldn't be happier with this signing.

[Jensen]

Atlanta needs to be more worried about finding another center for Kovalchuk and Hossa, not spare parts. I don't think Holik is going to center them.

[Lead]

Originally Posted by Jensen

Atlanta needs to be more worried about finding another center for Kovalchuk and Hossa, not spare parts. I don't think Holik is going to center them.

Agree. Holik is more productive on 3rd line.
Kapanen or Rucchin will be on 1st line.

[Blouin]

Helps the Rangers add or bring up youth.