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Report: Contract negotiations between Blackhawks, Kruger ‘progressing OK’

Colorado Avalanche v Chicago Blackhawks

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 27: of the Chicago Blackhawks of the Colorado Avalanche at the United Center on December 27, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Avalanche 7-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jonathan Daniel

Marcus Kruger was tendered a qualifying offer from the Chicago Blackhawks, but as of Saturday, there was no new deal in place for the 25-year-old center.

From ESPN Chicago:

The Chicago Blackhawks and restricted free agent forward Marcus Kruger are continuing to negotiate a new contract, a source said on Saturday.

“Things are progressing OK,” the source said. “Nothing really to report, but nothing to worry about either.”

Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman described negotiations with Kruger and his agent as going “very well” on Tuesday and thought they were getting closer to a deal.

Kruger’s offensive totals were down in 2014-15. He had only seven goals and 17 points in 81 regular season games, but was relied heavily upon on the penalty kill. The previous season, Kruger recorded a career high 28 points in 81 games.

With the trade of Ben Smith to San Jose this season, Kruger emerged as the leader among Chicago forwards in ice time on the penalty kill per game.

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