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Edmonton Oilers Looking to Sign Jan Rutta, Per Reports

By Sammi Silber

Apr 26, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; The Edmonton Oilers fans celebrate during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Edmonton won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; The Edmonton Oilers fans celebrate during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Edmonton won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers are looking to sign Czech defenceman Jan Rutta, as per TSN’s Darren Dreger.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

Calgary, Chicago and some other teams are also competing to sign Rutta to a deal. Though undrafted, Rutta has grown into a quality defender in his time playing with Pirati Chomutov of the Czech League. Through 46 games last season, Rutta posted eight goals and 32 points. As he has grown, Rutta has gained more of an offensive edge, and it has shown in his point totals over the years.

He was also successful in the playoffs, posting two goals and 13 points through 17 postseason games this past year.

For the Oilers, Rutta is something of a perfect fit. Rutta is a right-handed defender who can not only move the puck but has great size. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound blueliner has the size to bring a lot of physicality to the Oilers blue line. Edmonton could make great use of him, and also benefit from the added depth to the right side of their defence corps.

“He’s a steady defenceman with size and he had strong finish of the season,” an NHL scout told The Athletic. “He was very good int he playoffs and played his best at the Worlds.”

The 26-year-old brings a lot of speed and passing acumen to his game. He is known for great offensive ability but balances it well with strong defence. He also possesses the perfect frame for the NHL, and could greatly benefit the Oilers moving forward. Just like Matthew Benning and Ethan Bear, he could develop and thrive greatly and be an asset from the get-go.

Next: Edmonton Oilers: Eberle Trade Could Complicate Expansion Draft

He is being courted and is turning the heads of many different teams, and where he ends up will be a surprise. However, if he does sign with the Oilers, he will certainly pack a punch.

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