Rucchin Eager to Show His Worth

The Mighty Ducks expect a great deal from their top center, Steve Rucchin, so earlier this month they decided to pay him a great deal.

Rucchin’s four-year, $9.2-million contract didn’t make him the highest-paid center in the NHL. But his $1.95-million salary this season represents a healthy raise from the $350,000 he made last season.

It’s a blessing to be paid that much, but it also could be a curse for Rucchin, who has played the last two seasons on a line with standout wingers Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne.

“I feel it’s up to me to prove to management that they made the right decision,” Rucchin said. “Definitely, I’m going to have to prove my worth. I don’t want to go out and just go through the motions. I want to show I’m earning my paycheck.”

Rucchin was the Ducks’ second-leading scorer with 17 goals and 53 points in 72 games last season, trailing only Selanne’s 52 goals and 86 points. But groin, back and knee ailments slowed his production.

“I haven’t put up big numbers like an all-star, but I think that’s all in front of me,” Rucchin said.