After touting Teddy Blueger as being NHL-ready back in June, the Penguins have instead opted with a conservative mindset towards developing Blueger, where the goal is to put him in position play a 3rd line/and or high impact 4th line center role next season in Pittsburgh.
Blueger scored his 17th goal of the season and added an assist Friday night in Wilkes Barre/Scranton’s 5-1 win, giving him 31 points in 39 games. After a 45 point season (0.64 P/G) in 17-18, Blueger is now producing at an 0.80 clip this season, scoring at a 30+ goal pace. These are promising signs for Blueger, a strong defensive player, who will be at the age (25 years old) next season where you have to find out if you have an NHL player or not in him.
Bleuger should get the same assurances that Sprong got this season. He has already expressed frustration this season with the lack of time on the Big Club. He deserves an opportunity. He could be as effective as any of the other centers not named Crosby or Malkin. And significantly cheaper. He should certainly get a shot with ZAR on the shelf and playoff roster expansion upcoming.
pittsburgh is the only town in the NHL with a 3rd line center obsession. really weird
Still trying to replace Jan Hrdina
Has he ever REALLY left? LMAO