Theo Ruth
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Birthday:
1989-02-14 |
Position:
D |
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Eligible for draft:
2007 |
Shoots:
Right |
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Drafted:
2007 |
Height:
6-0 |
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Acquired:
Trade from Washington, 2008 |
Weight:
205 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- D
History
2004-05: Playing for the Chicago Mission of the Midwest Elite Hockey League, Theo Ruth recorded 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) in 46 games.
2005-06: Playing for the U-17 team, the defensively sound Ruth recorded 11 points (three goals, eight assists) and 82 PIM in 66 games. Ruth also scored a goal in seven games played for the silver medal winning World U-17 Hockey Challenge
2006-07: Ruth, who was already one of the NTDP’s top defensive players sought to improve his offensive game, putting in a lot of hard work and effort during the off-season. His hard work paid off as he improved his offensive totals, notching 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 39 games. He scored three of his five goals on the power play, and one of his goals was a game winner. He also led all NTDP defenseman in PIM with 64. Ruth played 17 games against NCAA opposition where he recorded five points (two goals, three assists) and 37 PIM. He led all NTDP players in PIM against NCAA opposition. NHL Central Scouting ranked Ruth 32nd overall, two spots higher than his defensive teammate Kevin Shattenkirk. Drafted 2nd round (46th overall), 2007 by Washington.
2007-08: Ruth helped Notre Dame to the NCAA Championship game as a freshman. He saw a significant amount of ice time during the Frozen Four tournament, and had a very successful year. He dressed in all but five of Notre Dame’s games, being used primarily as a defensive defenseman.
2008-09: Ruth appeared in 36 games as a sophomore for Note Drame, scoring 2 goals and 5 assists for 7 points. He also added 42 PIMs.
2009-10: After missing the first five weeks of the season with a leg injury, Ruth appeared in 22 games for the Irish. He notched 5 assists and 52 PIMs in his junior season.
2010-11: Ruth appeared in 52 games for AHL Springfield in his first pro season. He scored 1 goal with 5 assists and was -18 with 21 PMs as the Falcons finished sixth in their division and failed to reach the playoffs.
2011-12: In his second season with the Falcons, Ruth had six points and 39 penalty minutes in 54 games. He isn’t the most offensively gifted defenseman, so his minus-20 rating last year isn’t bringing him any closer to the NHL.
Talent Analysis
While Ruth is a tremendous competitor and a hard worker, his skating isn’t anywhere near where it needs to be for him to be successful in professional hockey. His defensive zone positioning is mediocre at best and he has been turned around by forwards on multiple occasions.
Future
Ruth is going to spend a lot of time in the AHL and is closer to playing in the ECHL than the NHL. His hard work is visible, but his skills need to improve for him to even be considered for a move to the Jackets touted blue line.
