Rutta (groin) took part in Thursday's practice session, Eric Lear of the Blackhawks' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

While it's certainly a step in the right direction, Rutta is likely still a long shot to play Thursday or Friday, instead focusing on a return Tuesday against Detroit. As a rookie, the blueliner logged 57 games in which he averaged 19:15 of ice time. Heading into 2018-19, the Czech should see an uptick in both games and minutes. as he takes on a bigger role with the club.

Rutta is considered day-to-day with a groin injury.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta likely won't be in the lineup for Thursday's preseason matchup with Detroit or Friday's exhibition against the Senators, but this injury shouldn't hold him out long term. The 28-year-old blueliner, who totaled six goals and 20 points in 57 contests last campaign, will likely skate in a second-pairing role this season.

Rutta finished the 2017-18 campaign having notched six goals and 20 points while posting a minus-1 rating in 57 games.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old blueliner posted a solid stat line in what was technically his rookie season, especially considering he missed a large portion of the campaign due to several different injuries. Rutta signed a one-year, $2.25 million extension with the Blackhawks in March, so he'll likely have a regular spot in their lineup in 2018-19, unless Chicago acquires several NHL-ready defenseman via the draft and free agency.

Rutta signed a one-year contract extension with Chicago on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta -- who was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2017-18 campaign -- will see a significant pay bump ($2.25 million), Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The rookie defenseman has notched six goals, 13 helpers and 54 shots this season and should see a more consistent role heading into 2018-19, considering how much the Hawks are paying him.

Rutta (lower body) will return to the lineup for Thursday's game against the Hurricanes, Eric Lear of the Blackhawks' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta has missed 12 of Chicago's last 14 games due to injury, so he'll hope to stay healthy down the stretch and end the 2017-18 campaign on a high note. The oft-injured defender, who's notched six goals and 19 points in 43 contests this season, will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. It remains to be seen if the Blackhawks will express any interest in bringing him back for 2018-19.

Rutta (lower body) won't play against the Avalanche on Tuesday, Tracey Myers of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This will be the fourth straight game Rutta watches from the sidelines. In fact, the 27-year-old defenseman has suited up for just four games since the beginning of February, notching one goal, one assist and a plus-5 rating. Expect Carl Dahlstrom to continue rotating in on the Blackhawks' blue line.

Rutta (lower body) will not play Sunday in Anaheim, Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta has now missed three straight games, last playing on Feb. 24. The 27-year-old rookie has six goals and 19 points in 53 games this season. This shouldn't have much impact in standard fantasy leagues.

Rutta (lower body) left Friday's practice early and isn't expected to play Saturday against the Kings, Eric Lear of the Blackhawks' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta will almost certainly miss a second consecutive game Saturday, and although he was able to hit the ice briefly Friday, the Blackhawks have yet to release a potential timetable for his return to action. Carl Dahlstrom will continue to hold onto a spot in Chicago's lineup until Rutta's cleared to play.

Rutta is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury, effectively ruling him out versus the Sharks on Thursday, Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta has only recently returned from an undisclosed injury that sidelined him for eight games. Since mid-December, the defenseman has played in just 12 of a possible 32 games due to various maladies. Given his injury woes, fantasy owners may want to pursue other options for their lineups.

Rutta scored a goal and an assist in his return to the lineup during a 3-1 victory over the Sharks on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

He's far from a household name, but owners had to have been pleased Rutta returned from his undisclosed injury Friday. He's scored six goals and 19 points in 42 games, which isn't bad for a 27-year-old rookie. Rutta should continue to see a lot of playing time down the stretch with the Blackhawks potentially unloading even more at the trade deadline next week.