Blueger underwent successful surgery to repair his fractured jaw on Monday and will miss at least six weeks. With Blueger out, Brian Boyle will likely be the permanent replacement on the fourth line.
Blueger was one of five players added to the protocol list on Monday, bringing the Penguins total to six. This group will likely miss at least the next two games.
Blueger missed 13 games with an upper-body injury in the shortened 2021 season but still managed to tie his career-best of 22 points (7G / 15A). With Blueger re-signed, the Penguins only need to sign RFA Zach Aston-Reese to bring back one of the best bottom-6 lines in the NHL (Tanev - Blueger - Aston-Reese).
Blueger has missed the last 13 games with an upper-body injury but could return Sunday in New Jersey. If Blueger can play, look for Mark Jankowski to sit.
Blueger missed Tuesday's game vs. the Bruins and is expected to be sidelined for an extended period of time with an upper-body injury. Evgeni Malkin was knocked out of that game on Tuesday, which could put a real strain on the Penguins' centre depth on Thursday.
Blueger was a second-round pick (No. 52 overall) in 2012 and had a great start in the AHL last year. The 24-year-old opened the season with 39 points (21G / 18A) in 45 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton before being promoted to Pittsburgh. Blueger had 10 points (6G / 4A) in 28 NHL games and is a lock for the Penguins bottom-6 to start 2020.
Blueger, 24, was a second-round pick (No.52 overall) in 2012 and could make his NHL debut on Wednesday after 179 career games in the AHL. Blueger leads Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in points, scoring 21 goals with 18 assists (39 points) in 45 games.
