Blackhawks agree to terms with Rutta

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Jan (YAHN) Rutta (ROO-tah) on a one-year contract that runs through the 2017-18 season.
"Jan has been on our radar for a number of years and he has shown great progress on the ice during that time," said Senior Vice President and General Manager Stan Bowman. "His addition to the organization makes our defense more dynamic and he has shown he can contribute offensively as well."
Rutta registered career highs in assists (24) and points (32) in 46 games during the 2016-17 campaign with the Czech Extraliga's Pirati Chomutov. He added two goals and 11 helpers in 17 postseason contests.

The 26-year-old recorded 60 points (20G, 40A) in 144 career games over four seasons (2012-14, 2015-17) with Pirati Chomutov, including tallying a career best 10 goals during the 2015-16 season. A native of Pisek, Czech Republic, Rutta represented his country at the 2017 World Championship where he notched a goal in eight games.