Marcus Kruger waits patiently on new Blackhawks contract

Chicago Blackhawks restricted free agent forward Marcus Kruger said he’s not stressed about the fact that he doesn’t have a new contract with the team.

Kruger spent Tuesday with the Stanley Cup in Sweden and ESPN Chicago was in Solna to ask Kruger some questions about his lack of deal with the defending Cup champs.

“Right now I just try to focus on getting in the best shape I can be in a month from now. That’s all I can do. Then, I think everything else will sort out. I love playing hockey. I know I’m going to do that. We will see what happens, but I’m not too worried about it.” 

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Kruger led Blackhawks forwards last season, averaging 2:13 of ice-time on the penalty kill. The next highest amongst Chicago Fs was Marian Hossa at 1:31. Kruger is coming off a two-year deal that paid him $2.65 million. Last season, the 25-year-old had 17 points in 81 games.   

He did not file for salary arbitration in hopes of negotiating a long-term deal with the Hawks.

It seems that Kruger has backed off the longer-term deal demands and may be willing to settle for a short-term contract per the story.

“We’ve discussed a lot of different options there,” Kruger said. “Whatever happens, it’s going to be good for me and them.”

According to General Fanager, the Blackhawks have $231,540 of salary cap space, which means Kruger would not fit with the team as currently constructed. So when will Bryan Bickell ($4 million per-year) get traded?

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @joshuacooper

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