On Friday afternoon, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Jan Rutta cleared waivers and will now report to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL. Rutta has played in 80 games for the Blackhawks since the beginning of the 2017-18 season.
Blackhawks Send Rutta To IceHogs
On Thursday, the Chicago Blackhawks placed defenseman Jan Rutta on waivers. After playing in 23 games this season with the Blackhawks, mostly in and out of the lineup irregularly, Rutta cleared waivers on Friday and will now report to the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL.
Prior to the 2017-18 season, Rutta joined Chicago as a free agent after playing four seasons with Piráti Chomutov in the Czech professional league. After posting 20 points (6 G, 14 A) in 57 games with Chicago last season, Rutta and the Blackhawks agreed to a one-year, $2.25M deal for this season. Rutta has not lived up to his contract with six points (2 G, 4 A) in 23 games and has not been reliable enough to have a regular spot in the lineup.
Nov 12, 2018; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jordan Martinook (48) tries to control the puck against Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Jan Rutta (44) during the third period at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in the overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
After clearing waivers on Friday, Rutta has been assigned to the Rockford IceHogs and will report to the team as they play the Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday night. Rutta could slot into the IceHogs lineup at the top of the defensive rotation after the Blackhawks recalled defenseman Carl Dahlstrom on Wednesday.
What’s Next?
For the IceHogs, they are on the road against the Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday night to begin a three games in three nights stretch of their schedule. Puck drop is set for 6pm CT at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.
For the Blackhawks, they are at home against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30pm CT at the United Center.