Jan Rutta clears waivers, but Blackhawks running into logjam on defense

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After clearing waivers on Friday, the Blackhawks sent Jan Rutta to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League as they continue to shuffle the deck on defense. But there's still a logjam on the back end and decisions must be made soon.

Erik Gustafsson is back after missing two games with an illness. Carl Dahlstrom was recalled from Rockford. Gustav Forsling, who's nursing a shoulder injury, is getting close to returning. And Brandon Davidson, who had meniscus surgery on Nov. 27 and was originally given a 6-8 week timetable, practiced with the Blackhawks on Friday for the first time since the injury. 

In total, nine defensemen were on the ice for morning skate ahead of Friday’s matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, which means the competition is just beginning.

"That’ll be determined by how guys play," coach Jeremy Colliton said. "So that’s a positive for our team."   

Despite Rutta being out of the mix now, the Blackhawks still have to make some roster decisions and identify who their rotation will consist of on defense. Or at least clear room to give the younger guys a longer look for the future. They carried eight defensemen last season and have been reluctant to do so again this season.

With the league-wide holiday freeze approaching from Dec. 19-27 that prevents teams from making any transactions on the waiver wire or trade front, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Blackhawks make a move or two come before then. 

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