The Pittsburgh Penguins signed one of their remaining three restricted free agents Tuesday, agreeing with center Teddy Blueger on a two-year, one-way contract with an average annual salary of $750,000.
Blueger, a 24-year-old former second-round draft pick, emerged as an NHL regular last season after playing two-plus years with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL. He had three goals in his first seven games with the Penguins, finishing with six goals and 10 points in 28 games.
He will likely replace the recently retired Matt Cullen as the team’s fourth-line center this season.
“Teddy is a perfect role model for younger players coming into the league,” assistant general manager Bill Guerin said in a release. “When you watch a guy with his work ethic, determination and ability to trust the process of going through the proper steps to get to the NHL, you have a great example for younger players. Teddy came to us with great expectations, and he’s worked hard to meet each one. He has great hockey sense. He loves to compete, and he’s a true professional.”
With Blueger signed, defenseman Marcus Pettersson and winger Zach Aston-Reese are the restricted free agents the Penguins have yet to sign.
If the Penguins don’t reach an agreement beforehand, Aston-Reese is scheduled for an arbitration hearing July 22.
Pettersson, a 23-year-old defenseman coming off an impressive rookie season, could be in line for a longer, more lucrative contract extension.
