Breaking: Blackhawks sign highly sought after UFA

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they’ve signed free agent defenseman Jan Rutta to a one year, entry-level contract.

The 26 year-old blue liner was a stand out player in the Czech Extraliga for Pirati Chomutov last season, finishing second amongst defensemen in scoring with eight goals and 24 assists in 46 games. Rutta stands at 6’3” and weighs 190 lbs. He’s a right handed shot, something the Hawks could desperately use next season, especially if the rumors about Trevor van Riemsdyk’s departure turn out to be true.

In any case, Rutta’s addition to the team could make things interesting. He provides the Blackhawks with an affordable option on the backend and, for a team in dire cap trouble, he could be the key to the team moving another higher priced defenseman like Brent Seabrook or Nik Hjalmarsson.