400-Game Veteran's NHL Future in Jeopardy as He Continues to Look for New Contract

At 35-years of age, Jan Rutta has slowed down in recent years, tallying just 8 goals and 28 points over the past two seasons with the very young San Jose Sharks team.

That comes after winning two Stanley Cup's with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and given all of his experience and success in the National Hockey League, it shouldn't be too hard for him to find a role in the league.

However, the former un-drafted defenseman is yet to find a new contract ahead of the 2025/26 season, with The Hockey News listing him as a potential PTO candidate for the Boston Bruins this off-season.

Despite the lack of a new deal, Rutta remains focused on North America, even though some would love to see him return home to Czechia to take on a role somewhere in Europe as many veterans have done this off-season.

However, with great size at 6-foot-3, 204 pounds and over 400 games of NHL experience, Rutta would be a great depth addition for a playoff team or a young team looking for leadership, meaning that a PTO is likely the best way he'll find a new role this season.

Ultimately, with more and more young, talented players entering the NHL each season, there's fewer spots for depth players like Rutta, so unless he finds a PTO or a new deal soon, there's a good chance he may follow several veterans out of the NHL this off-season.