Rutta (undisclosed) will rejoin the lineup Friday night against the visiting Sharks, Eric Lear of the Blackhawks' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie defenseman has been a sneaky source of assists this season, having set up 12 of those in 41 games. If you were to calculate his current rate of offensive production over a full season, it would equate to a 34-point output -- that's a quality total for a player just getting started on his NHL career.

Rutta (undisclosed) won't be in the lineup for Wednesday's clash with the Senators.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta skated Wednesday, so he's definitely making progress in his recovery, but he'll have to wait for Friday's matchup with San Jose for his next chance to return to game action. Eric Gustafsson will continue to hold onto a spot in Chicago's lineup until Rutta is given the green light to return.

Rutta (undisclosed) is questionable to play against the Senators on Wednesday, Tracey Myers of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The news effectively rules Rutta out for Monday's clash with the Kings. With the Blackhawks trading away Michal Kempny, the 27-year-old could be in line for a bigger role once given the green light to return to action. In the meantime, Erik Gustafsson appears poised to slot into the lineup in Rutta's stead. The defenseman will need to be activated off injured reserve before he can suit up.

The Blackhawks placed Rutta (undisclosed) on injured reserve Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta's placement on IR means he'll miss Chicago's next three games at a minimum. The Blackhawks recalled Carl Dahlstrom from AHL Rockford in a corresponding move, so he'll round out the big club's depth at defense until Rutta's cleared to return.

Rutta (undisclosed) will not play in Thursday's game against the Stars, Eric Lear of Blackhawks TV reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta has produced more for the Blackhawks than anticipated this season, racking up 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) over 41 contests. His absence from Thursday's matchup will most likely result in Connor Murphy replacing him in the lineup.

Rutta is dealing with a "minor" injury and is considered questionable for Thursday's matchup with Dallas, Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta's injury evidently isn't overly serious, but if he's unable to go against the Stars, Connor Murphy will replace him in the lineup. The Blackhawks should release an update on the 27-year-old defender's status prior to puck drop Thursday evening.

Rutta (upper body) has been cleared to play, but he won't be in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Stars, Eric Lear of the Blackhawks' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Michal Kempny has played pretty well during Rutta's absence, so there's no need for the Blackhawks to rush the Slovakian defender back before he's at 100 percent. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see him replace Kempny in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Devils after presumably logging a full practice Friday.

Rutta (upper body) is close to returning, and may be in the lineup Thursday against the Stars, Tracey Myers of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Blackhawks are off until Thursday, which gives Rutta a few days to continue the healing process before he has to take the ice potentially. The 27-year-old had 13 points in 31 games before missing the last two with his injury.

Rutta (upper body) didn't practice Saturday, which indicates he likely won't be available for Sunday's matchup with the Wild, NHL.com's Tracey Myers reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rutta has been excellent for the Blackhawks this season, picking up three goals and 13 points while registering a plus-1 rating in 31 contests, so he'll return to a prominent role as soon as he's cleared to play. There's a distinct possibility that he'll only be forced to miss one more match due to his upper-body injury, as the Blackhawks don't play until Thursday after Sunday's meeting with Minnesota.

Rutta (upper body) won't be available for Thursday's game against the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

The severity of Rutta's upper-body injury has yet to be determined, but the Slovakian blueliner will have to wait for Sunday evening's matchup with Minnesota for his next opportunity to crack Chicago's lineup. It'll be a big blow to the Blackhawks' back end if he's forced to miss extended time, as he's played well this season, picking up three goals and 13 points while posting a plus-1 rating in 31 games. With Rutta unavailable Thursday, Ville Pokka or Michal Kempny will draw into the lineup against Winnipeg.