Blackhawks agree to extension with Rutta

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension with defenseman Jan Rutta (YAHN ROO-tah), which runs through the 2018-19 National Hockey League season.
Rutta, 27, has recorded 19 points (6G, 13A) in 43 games this season, his first in the NHL. His six goals pace Chicago defensemen while his 19 points share second among club blueliners.

Originally signed by the Blackhawks on June 7, 2017, Rutta opened the season with a three-game point streak (2G, 2A) from Oct. 5-9. He has three multi-point games this season, including a career-high three points (1G, 2A) on Nov. 12 against the New Jersey Devils.
Prior to coming to North America, Rutta registered career highs in assists (24) and points (32) in 46 games during the 2016-17 campaign with the Czech Extraliga's Pirati Chomutov. He added two goals and 11 helpers in 17 postseason contests.
Rutta recorded 60 points (20G, 40A) in 144 career games over four seasons (2012-14, 2015-17) with Pirati Chomutov, including a career-best 10 goals during the 2015-16 season. A native of Pisek, Czech Republic, he represented his country at the 2017 World Championship where he notched a goal in eight games.