The Blackhawks have agreed to terms with defenseman Jan Rutta on a one-year entry-level contract, according to a source.
Rutta, 26, has played in his native Czech Republic throughout his career and most recently played for Pirati Chomutov in the Czech Extraliga last season. He was second among Czech Extraliga defensemen in 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.