As NHL clubs continue to mine Europe and the KHL for any talent that may be able to help them, agent Allan Walsh of Octagon Hockey revealed on Twitter that Czech defender Jan Rutta has received offers from around the league. The 26-year old Rutta is currently playing with the Czech team at the World Championships.
Rutta put up 32 points in 46 games this season, more than his teammate David Kampf who recently signed with the Chicago Blackhawks. Kampf obviously is several years younger but the output of Rutta shouldn’t be overlooked. His size (6’2″ 200-lbs) and skill with the puck make him an intriguing option for teams around the league. Since moving up to the top Czech league full-time, he’s been one of the most effective offensive blueliners in the league.
While he’s not young anymore, Rutta still could likely help a powerplay in the NHL and is seeing similar icetime to Radko Gudas at the ongoing tournament. Countryman Jakub Jerabek was just signed by the Montreal Canadiens, and is less than a year younger. Jerabek is expected to step into the NHL right away, and Rutta could possibly do the same should he decide to come to North America.