Some maneuvers may still be on the way for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but Jan Rutta is close to a return.
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins have been without Jan Rutta for over a month due to an upper-body injury.
According to Mike Sullivan, the Penguins could have Rutta back when they take on the St. Louis Blues; Sullivan listed Rutta as a game-time decision in St. Louis.
Rutta currently sits on long-term injured reserve and some moves will need to be made before he can return to the lineup.
The Penguins have placed Kasperi Kapanen on waivers, but if he clears it will not take his full cap hit off of the books.
If Kapanen makes his way through waivers, the Penguins will still need to clear an additional $1.44 million in order to bring Rutta back under the cap.
Rutta has missed 15 games with his upper-body injury, and the Penguins have gone 6-6-3 in that time.
In 42 games played this season, Rutta has scored three goals and five assists for eight points, largely on the third defensive pairing.
This is Rutta’s first year of a three-year contract that he signed with the Penguins this past off season.
Rutta has been skating with the team, but never in rushes; during his most recent practice he was paired with P.O. Joseph.
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