Panthers assistant coach Ruutu does some reading with Stanley Cup

Former NHL forward checks out names on trophy, gets to see his own

tuomo ruutu cup
By Dan O'Leary
@DanOLeary25 NHL.com Staff Writer

Sometimes during the summer you just want to relax and get some reading done.

Florida Panthers assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu did just that. But he didn't curl up on the couch with a book or e-reader.

Instead he was reading the inscriptions on the Stanley Cup.

The Hockey Hall of Fame's Phil Pritchard, known as the Keeper of the Cup, shared a picture of the moment on Thursday.

Ruutu played 735 games over 12 NHL seasons for the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks and New Jersey Devils, retiring after the 2015-16 season, so he likely recognized plenty of names on the Cup as teammates, opponents or both.

He was hired by the Panthers in June 2021, helping guide them to the Eastern Conference championship in 2023 and their first-ever Cup title this past season.

If he keeps reading until the 14th name under the 2023-24 Panthers, he will eventually catch his own name.

Related Content

Lundell has full-circle moment, takes Stanley Cup to old hockey arena

Hornqvist, now in Panthers front office, celebrates day with Cup

Stenlund celebrates with Stanley Cup in Sweden, where it all began

Forsling takes Stanley Cup on helicopter ride in Sweden

Ekman-Larsson brings Stanley Cup home to Sweden, pays homage to late mother

Barkov transforms hometown into ‘Barkov City’ during Stanley Cup celebration

Barkov kicks off day with Stanley Cup with skateboarding trick

Reinhart takes Stanley Cup on trip down memory lane in hometown

Latest News

Projected lineups, starting goalies for today

NHL.com debates which Maple Leafs, Stars player will have biggest impact at 4 Nations

Fantasy picks, props with EDGE stats for today

NHL On Tap: Reinhart, Panthers look to finish trip on high against Wild

NHL Morning Skate for Dec. 18 

Lowry's late goal lifts Jets past Sharks

Ullmark makes 30 saves, Senators shut out Kraken for 4th win in row

Pastrnak scores late in OT, Bruins defeat Flames

Donato goal caps comeback win for Blackhawks against Capitals

Noesen, Devils defeat Blues for 3rd straight win

Guentzel extends goal streak to 7, Lightning hold off Blue Jackets

Saros makes 25 saves, Predators shut out Rangers

Nelson quietly one of best United States-born players in NHL

Sanheim-Konecny relationship as Flyers teammates like 'old married couple'

Augustine 'has another level of pedigree' for United States ahead of World Juniors

Behind the scenes with Bedard and more on Episode 3 of ‘Road to the NHL Winter Classic’

Kochetkov, Hurricanes shut out Islanders

Penguins rally, top Kings in OT on Rakell goal