After trading former starting goaltender Matt Murray and re-signing his replacement, Tristan Jarry during the 2020 offseason, the Penguins don’t have nearly as daunting of a challenge with regard to their players scheduled to become restricted free agent in the 2021 offseason.
Especially because the most notable member of that group, defenseman John Marino, signed an ample six-year contract extension Sunday.
If there is something of a “depth chart” for concerns over pending restricted free agents, an argument could be made Teddy Blueger is on the first line.
To date, there have been no talks over a possible contract extension between Blueger or his representation and management.
“I have had no discussions,” said Blueger, who carries a salary cap hit of $750,000. “That’s hasn’t really been on my mind at all. My focus has been is on this year, having a good camp, earning a spot on the team and fighting for a bigger role as the season moves on. And doing everything to help the team win by putting together a good year individually.”
The idea Blueger would have to claim a roster spot is dubious given the 26-year-old center appeared in all 69 of the team’s regular-season games last season.
But considering he needed nearly seven years between being a second-round draft pick in June 2012 and making his NHL debut in January 2019, any hesitation by Blueger to assume he has a secure roster spot can be appreciated.
Last season, Blueger opened at the NHL level for the first time in his career. Centering the fourth line — which was used as a third line many nights — Blueger put up 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists). One of the Penguins’ top penalty killers, Blueger averaged a team-best 2 minutes, 23 seconds of short-handed ice time. Additionally, he led the Penguins in total faceoffs at 890, winning 45.2%.
“Last year, I think there were lots of ups and downs, some good games and pretty bad games,” Blueger said via video conference Wednesday. “It was something to build on. Just having that experience … makes it a little easier.”
“All the familiarity with the guys, with the staff, with how things go around here, that helps settle the nerves all the little things that felt new last year. And on the ice too, just being more calm, being able to read the game better, and hold onto pucks, trying to make some plays when the opportunity arises, all those little details add up. Hopefully, that’s something I can build on my game this year.”
The fourth line, which typically comprised Blueger, Brandon Tanev at right wing and Zach Aston-Reese on the left wing, was one of the team’s most consistent entities throughout 2019-20.
But with Aston-Reese still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, offseason acquisition Colton Sceviour is on Blueger’s port side in the early portions of training camp.
During a scrimmage at PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday, they connected on a pretty goal as Blueger left a drop pass in the slot for Sceviour, who lifted wrister past goaltender Casey DeSmith.
“Obviously, (Tanev) and I played together for the whole year last year, for most of it,” Blueger said. “So we know each other pretty well and are familiar with our games. (Sceviour) has been great as well. He’s easy to play with. He’s smart, reads the game well, he’s gritty. So far, it’s been pretty good. It’s a really small sample size but we’ll see how it goes moving forward.”
