"We were determined to bring in experienced players with winning pedigrees and Marcus is another addition who fits that mold," said Francis. "He's a solid, two-way center who has achieved success both in the NHL and internationally."
Kruger, 27, registered five goals, 12 assists (17 points) and a plus-7 rating in 70 games for the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2016-17 season. The Stockholm native led all Blackhawks forwards in shorthanded time on ice per game (2:13) and was second on the team in faceoff percentage (minimum 100 face-offs), winning 52.3 percent of his even-strength draws. Following the season, Kruger joined Sweden for the 2017 IIHF World Championship, where he won the gold medal along with fellow Hurricanes Elias Lindholm, Victor Rask and Joakim Nordstrom.
Originally selected by the Blackhawks in the fifth round, 149th overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Kruger has totaled 33 goals and 72 assists (105 points) in 398 career NHL games with Chicago. He has totaled 16 points (6g, 10a) in 87 career playoff games, winning the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2013 and 2015. Along with his gold medal at the 2017 IIHF World Championship, Kruger also won a bronze with Sweden at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, a silver at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, silver at the 2011 IIHF World Championship and bronze at the 2010 World Junior Championship.
