Weeks after being named (by Darren Dreger) as a player of interest for several NHL teams, Jan Rutta remains a mystery. Oh, I can tell you he is 6.03, had a good World Hockey Championships and scored very well for Chomutov (home of Petr Klima!) this past season. I can also tell you Chicago and Calgary are also interested and why that’s a good thing. I can tell you that in reaching out to contacts I was told he can wheel (speed) and is an excellent passer. He was also noticed in a good way at the WHC’s. But really insightful detail about what he is and will bring should he sign with Edmonton? No.

So, I decided there is something we can discuss about Rutta and why this might be an encouraging (possible) signing. There is a story here, and Rutta could be the happy ending should he sign and work out as a player who can help Edmonton for the next year or several.

I didn’t have to go back that far to prove my point and may have missed one or two, but this list serves its purpose. Folks, the Oilers aren’t exactly killing it with their Euro signings. The best of the group might be Iiro Pakarinen and I’m going to suggest Lennart Petrell was perhaps the most harmful. No, check that. Kirill Tulupov was the most harmful. Why? He’s the guy who hit Ben Eager during the Joey Moss and concussed him!

This is the part of the article where I should probably list off the Euro scouts, grab a wagging finger gif and call it a day. Here’s the problem: I don’t think teams have just one set of eyes on these players anymore. Oh maybe back in the days when Lenny Petrell roamed the earth (and roam it he did!) you might see it, but nowadays? From what I read about industry standards, signing a player like this Rutta fellow requires a lot of coverage.

So. I do think it’s encouraging that the Oilers are after a player who is also of interest to the Chicago Blackhawks. I have always liked the Czech players who have performed in Edmonton, and this guy has some handsome boxcars on his resume.

After that? We wait.