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Two-time Stanley Cup Champion defenseman signs in Switzerland after receiving no NHL interest in free agency
Photo credit: NHL.com
Longtime NHL defenseman Jan Rutta has officially decided to continue his playing career in Switzerland after not receiving any offers in this summer's free agency.
During Rutta's rookie season, he tallied six goals and 14 assists for 20 points with the Chicago Blackhawks. After that, it was only uphill for the undrafted defenseman.
At the 2018-19 deadline, the Blackhawks traded Rutta to the Tampa Bay Lightning, and it was a blessing in disguise.
He would win two Stanley Cups with his new organization and solidify his game on the back end, contributing as a depth piece on a stacked Lightning roster.
After leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning, he took his veteran and playoff presence to the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks.
Jan Rutta signs with Geneve-Servette in the Swiss National League
Now, he's taking his to Switzerland.
National League | GSHC has reportedly found an agreement with defender Jan Rutta.
Geneve-Servette has plenty of familiar NHL talent on their roster, including Jason Akeson, Marc-Antoine Pouliot, and Jimmy Vesey.
"Jan Rutta's new team in Switzerland, Genève-Servette, is the team that former New Jersey Devils forward Jimmy Vesey signed with.
They will be teammates with Luca Hischier, brother of Devils captain Nico Hischier."
They will be teammates with Luca Hischier, brother of Devils captain Nico Hischier."
They're now looking to go all in and win the league title in the 2025-26 season with the addition of Rutta.
If he does win it all with his new team, do you think he would receive more NHL interest in the 2026-27 NHL summer free agency?
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
AOUT 21 | 125 ANSWERS Two-time Stanley Cup Champion defenseman signs in Switzerland after receiving no NHL interest in free agency If Jan Rutta wins the Swiss league championship, could you see him receiving NHL offers? | ||
| Yes | 72 | 57.6 % |
| No | 53 | 42.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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