Breaking: Blackhawks sign more blue line depth GM Stan Bowman isn’t wasting a moment. Good move?

According to a report from The Athletic’s Scott Powers, the Chicago Blackhawks have reached an agreement on a contract extension with defenseman Jan Rutta.



UPDATE: The Blackhawks have now officially confirmed the news:

Rutta’s new deal is a simple one-year extension that will see him remain a member of the team through 2018-19. The 27 year old rookie has played 43 games with the Blackhawks this season, putting up six goals and 19 points, along with 22 penalty minutes.

The Pisek, Czech Republic native signed with the Blackhawks as an unrestricted free-agent this past offseason following four impressive seasons in the Czech Extra League with Chomutov Pirati.

DobberProspects.com’s Tony Carr has described Rutta’s rookie season in the NHL as a “roller coaster ride”:

After returning from a trip to the IR, Rutta has been playing some of his best hockey of the year. The offensive side of things hasn’t been a problem, and he has solidified his play in the defensive end. Look for a healthy Rutta to continue to improve as the season winds down.

Blackhawks extend Gustafsson, sign NCAA star

In other Hawks contract news, the team announce earlier this week that it has re-signed 25-year-old defenseman Erik Gustafsson and NCAA star Dylan Sikura, as well.

Originally drafted in the 4th round (93rd overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, Gustafsson signed with the Blackhawks in April of 2015, following two very productive seasons with Frolunda HC in Sweden’s top league, the SHL.

The 6 foot 1 inch, 206 pound blue liner has one goal and five points in 19 games with the Blackhawks this season and an additional three goals and 17 points in 25 games with the team’s AHL affiliate Rockford IceHogs.

As for Sikura, the former 6th round pick (178th overall) of the Hawks from the 2014 NHL Entry Draft has torn up the NCAA this season with Northeastern. The 22-year-old forward has 17 goals and 48 points in 31 games this season, following up on his remarkable 21 goal, 57 point season from a year ago.

Carr projects the 6’0”, 165 lb Sikura to be a bottom-six forward in the NHL with some offensive upside. He’ll need to add some muscle and bulk to his 6 foot frame, but once he does he could become the Hawks’ next version of Andrew Shaw or David Bolland.

With the Hawks clearly out of the playoff picture, the team would be smart to audition some of their younger players, including Sikura. Established youngsters like Alex DeBrincat, Vinnie Hinostroza and Matthew Highmore should continue to see some ice time, but don’t be surprised if John Hayden, Nathan Noel and the recently acquired Victor Ejdsell see some action, as well.

