The Chicago Blackhawks have won the sweepstakes for defenceman Jan Rutta, signing the Czech standout to a one-year contract.

"Jan has been on our radar for a number of years and he has shown great progress on the ice during that time," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. "His addition to the organization makes our defense more dynamic and he has shown he can contribute offensively as well."

Rutta spent this season with Chomutov Pirati of the Czech Republic League, scoring eight goals and adding 24 assists.

The 26-year-old dressed in eight games for the Czech Republic at last month's world hockey championship, scoring one goal.

He will turn 27 on July 29.