Marcus Kruger eager to get new contract done with Blackhawks

SOLNA, Sweden -- Restricted free-agent forward Marcus Kruger said Tuesday he's not concerned he and the Chicago Blackhawks have yet to finalize a contract for the upcoming season.

"I want to have it done. I think that's for everyone," said Kruger, who shared a Stanley Cup day with Johnny Oduya in Sweden on Tuesday. "But I don't feel too stressed out about it, yet at least. We have another month until training camp.

"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."

Kruger has told the Blackhawks he would prefer a long-term contract extension, but that may not be possible because of the Blackhawks' lack of cap space. Kruger's agent, J.P. Barry, recently said Kruger would accept a shorter deal if necessary.

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

Kruger, 25, led the Blackhawks' forwards in penalty-kill ice time and had seven goals and 10 assists in 81 regular-season games last season. He also had two goals, two assists and averaged 15 minutes, 6 seconds of ice time during the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup run. He has been a part of two Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks and has played in 287 regular-season games over the past five seasons. He signed a two-year, $2.65 million contract extension prior to the 2013-14 season.