This morning, we passed along word that the Chicago Blackhawks were working diligently to get restricted free agent forward Marcus Kruger under contract.
Well, mission accomplished -- the club announced this afternoon it’s re-signed the 23-year-old to a two-year deal.
Financials have yet to be reported.
Kruger had four goals and 13 points in 47 games this past season and was one of the team’s main penalty killers.
“He’s gained some strength over the last couple of years, which has allowed him to play against better players and stronger players and his ability to help us in a lot of different ways,” said ‘Hawks general manager Stan Bowman, per the Chicago Tribune.
“He played some wing for us in the playoffs and a lot of center during the regular season. He’s a big part of the penalty killing and that’s sort of his profile going forward--a versatile defender ... and he’s worked on his offensive game a little bit. Looking into next year, I think his role’s only going to get bigger.”