Defenseman Jan Rutta signed with the Chicago Blackhawks as a free agent in June, and figured to be a candidate to play top minutes for the Rockford Ice Hogs in the AHL. However, the Czech blueliner made Chicago’s main roster and has made his mark with two goals and two assists in only four games.
HAWKS
**Rutta quickly emerges as one of Hawks’ top defensemen (Chicago Sun Times)
**Schmaltz’s impending return should make Hawks dangerous again (Chicago Tribune)
**Panik finally tapping into his ocean of talent (Chicago Sun Times)
CENTRAL DIVISION
**Blues’ production heading downhill (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
NHL
**NHL considering dropping All-Star Game in favor of international event, per report (SBN)
**RECAP: Subban, Golden Knights defeat Bruins (Knights On Ice)
**Golden Knights place Fleury, Marchessault on IR (Knights On Ice)
**RECAP: Sabres defeat Ducks for 1st victory (Die By The Blade)
**RECAP: Doughty’s shorthanded goal lifts Kings past Islanders (NHL.com)
**Sabres recall Justin Bailey from AHL (Die By The Blade)
HOCKEY WORLD
**2017-18 CWHL Season Preview (The Ice Garden)
**Top 10 players to watch in the CWHL (The Ice Garden)
**OHL Roundup: Durzi scores in OT, keeps Attack’s win streak rolling (Sportsnet)
**WHL Roundup: Emil Oksanen overtime hero as Pats top Oil Kings (Sportsnet)