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The Jan Rutta sweepstakes are over.
After weeks of considering NHL offers, Rutta has elected to sign with the Chicago Blackhawks (surprise!).
The 6'2', 210-pound defenseman is coming off a strong season with Chomutov Pirati of the Czech League.
Rutta recorded 32 points in 46 regular season games and followed that up with 13 points in 17 post-season games.
Teams are always looking for defensemen, especially ones who can move the puck and contribute offensively, so it's no surprise
Rutta also caught the attention of the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, among others.
While many will suggest Rutta signed in Chicago rather than Calgary because he wanted to play for more of a contender, I think the Flames' depth chart on defense played a bigger role.
The Flames have the big three of Dougie Hamilton, Mark Giordano, and T.J. Brodie, they want to add another top-4 guy, re-signing Deryk Engelland and/or Michael Stone doesn't seem to be ruled out completely and the likes of Rasmus Andersson, Oliver Kylington, and Brett Kulak, among others, are not far off from being regulars at the NHL level.
The Blackhawks don't have as many quality defense prospects in the system and, with Trevor van Riemsdyk (Vegas), Johnny Oduya (UFA) and Brian Campbell (UFA) seemingly on the way out, Rutta has to like his chances of making the NHL roster out of camp this fall.
Rutta signing in Calgary would have been a nice boost, obviously, but more of a luxury than a necessity.
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