In the following the 2018–19 season, with the Blackhawks continuing to struggle out of the gate, Rutta was placed on waivers after contributing with 2 goals and 6 points in 23 games on December 23, 2018. After clearing he was assigned to AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. On January 11, 2019, Rutta was traded by the Blackhawks, along with a 2019 seventh-round pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Slater Koekkoek and a 2019 fifth-round pick. He was slated to continue in the AHL with the Lightning's affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. On March 3, 2019, Rutta made his debut with the Lightning in a 3–2 win over the Detroit Red Wings at Amalie Arena. He played out the tail end of the regular season with the League leading Lightning, posting 2 assists in 14 games. He maintained his place in the lineup through the playoffs, recording 2 assists in a 4 game series sweep defeat to the Columbus Blue Jackets.