The Blackhawks are in contention for Czech Republic free agent defenseman Jan Rutta, according to a source.



Rutta, 26, has played in his native Czech Republic throughout his career. He has played in the country’s top division, Czech Extraliga, for Pirati Chomutov the past two seasons.



Rutta is considered an offensive defenseman. He was second among defensemen in points in the Czech Extraliga this past season. He had 32 points, which included eight goals and 24 assists, in 46 games during the 2016-17 season.



“He’s a steady defenseman with size, and he had strong finish of the season,” one NHL scout said. “He was very good in the playoffs and played his best at the Worlds.”



Another NHL scout said, “He looks like a late bloomer. He became a big player the last couple of years. He’s a big guy, a right-handed shot who can skate for a big guy. He sees the ice well. He’s pretty good on the power...