Vancouver Canucks centre Teddy Blueger is one step closer to returning to full health.
The versatile forward skated in a non-contact uniform as an unlisted member of Group C during the Canucks’ on-ice sessions at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, B.C. on Friday.
Blueger, 30, recently underwent a minor surgical procedure on his lower body, according to Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin. He took part in most of the Canucks’ on-ice activities on Friday and appeared to be a full participant.
Non-contact jersey for Blueger, but a positive sign that he’s a participant on Day 2. #Canucks @Sportsnet650 https://t.co/0OqiGsc90N
— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) September 20, 2024
In 68 games with the Canucks during the 2023-24 regular season, Blueger collected six goals and 28 points; he added two assists in 13 games during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Riga, Latvia product subsequently agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension with the Canucks worth $1.8 million per season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins originally selected Blueger in the second round (No. 52 overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft. The 6′, 185-pound centre made his NHL debut with the Penguins in the 2018-19 season after serving as a “Black Ace” during the club’s runs to the Stanley Cup in both 2016 and 2017.
Blueger appeared in parts of five seasons with the Penguins to begin his NHL career before being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights ahead of the 2023 trade deadline in exchange for defenceman Peter DiLiberatore and a 2024 third-round pick. Blueger appeared in six games with the Golden Knights during their run to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, which concluded with them defeating the Florida Panthers to win their first-ever championship.
Through 336 career games over parts of six NHL seasons with the Penguins, Golden Knights, and Canucks, Blueger has collected 41 goals and 126 points. The left-handed forward has added two goals and six points in 37 career playoff contests.
It remains to be seen whether Blueger will be available when the Canucks open their 2024-25 regular season slate of games on October 9, when they take on the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.
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