We’re headed back to the Eastern Conference via Finland for this week. This gritty forward has been plying his trade since being drafted 9th overall in the 2001 NHL draft.

Congratulations are in order for Tuomo Ruutu of the Carolina Hurricanes.!

Tuomo is the youngest of three hockey playing brothers. Oldest brother Jarkko is currently playing for Jokerit back home in Finland, and middle brother Mikko retired from the game early following a knee injury.

In February of 2008, Ruutu was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. In February of this year, he signed a four year contract extension with the ‘Canes, so he’ll be in the Southeast Division for the foreseeable future.

He has also represented Finland in the 2010 Olympics, the World Juniors, and was part of the gold medal winning team at the 2011 World Championships. That’s just to name a few. He’s been a staple on the national team since his junior hockey days.

And on that note…

Jacob Josefson of the New Jersey Devils.