As the NHL Trade Deadline creeps closer - Friday, March 7th, to be exact - teams across the league are sharpening their pencils and figuring out where they can add value without breaking the bank. And one name that might not be grabbing headlines but absolutely deserves a closer look? Teddy Blueger.
Now, let’s get this out of the way: Blueger isn’t lighting up the scoreboard. Yes, his recent goal came on an empty net, and no, he’s not about to crack the 100-point club.
But that’s not what you bring Teddy Blueger in to do. What he does bring is exactly the kind of under-the-radar, playoff-style utility that contenders crave when the games start to tighten up and every shift matters.
Blueger has quietly carved out a strong stretch lately - four goals in his last seven games - and while that’s not going to land him on the top line, it does show he’s finding ways to contribute. More importantly, he’s a faceoff ace, a top-tier penalty killer, and he’s shown he can hang with more offensively-minded linemates when asked. That kind of versatility matters, especially when you’re looking to fortify your bottom six heading into the postseason.
From a cap standpoint, Blueger is a tidy piece. He carries a $1.8 million hit, but if the Canucks retain half - which is entirely plausible - he’d cost just $900,000. That’s a bargain for a team looking to round out its forward group without sacrificing flexibility elsewhere on the roster.
So where does Blueger fit into the broader rental center market? Let’s take a look at what’s out there among pending UFAs on non-playoff teams:
- Jonathan Toews ($2M, full no-move clause)
- Claude Giroux ($2M, full no-move clause)
- Lars Eller ($1.25M, 14-team no-trade list)
- Charlie Coyle ($5.25M, NMC)
- Calle Jarnkrok ($2M)
- Scott Laughton ($3M)
- Boone Jenner ($3.75M)
- Nick Cousins ($825K)
- Jason Dickinson ($4.25M)
- Jonny Brodzinski ($787K)
That list has some intriguing names, sure. But how many of them are actually available?
That’s the real question. Toews, for instance, has a full no-move clause and has been a rare bright spot in a tough season for the Jets - would he even consider waiving it?
Boone Jenner is the captain in Columbus. Are the Blue Jackets ready to move on from that leadership?
And teams like Toronto, with players like Jarnkrok, might not be out of the playoff picture enough to justify selling.
Even among those who are potentially available, not all of them check the same boxes as Blueger. Some, like Nick Cousins, don’t kill penalties - and that’s a big part of Blueger’s appeal. He’s not just a warm body down the middle; he’s a guy who plays tough minutes, wins draws, and helps you survive the special teams battle.
Of course, there are also centers with term who could shake up the market - Nazem Kadri being the most notable, as he’s reportedly open to a move out of Calgary. If a player like Kadri gets moved, it could shift the demand among contenders, but Blueger’s value likely remains in that depth role sweet spot - a plug-and-play option who won’t cost a premium.
Speaking of cost, we’ve actually got a pretty solid benchmark for what Blueger might fetch. At the 2023 deadline, the Penguins traded him to Vegas for a third-round pick and a mid-tier prospect.
At that point, Blueger had just 10 points in 45 games, but the Golden Knights weren’t bringing him in to score - they were looking for depth, and he gave them exactly that. He even slotted in on the wing when needed and played in six of their 22 playoff games en route to a Stanley Cup.
The Canucks signed him that offseason, and after a strong first year in Vancouver, they brought him back again. But with Blueger set to hit free agency this summer and the Canucks still in a rebuild, it makes sense to explore a move now and extract value.
So what’s the return this time around? Maybe not another third-rounder and a prospect - though that’s not out of the question.
But a fourth-round pick? A fifth?
For a playoff-bound team needing center depth and PK help, that’s a very manageable price for a player who knows how to play his role and play it well.
Don’t expect Teddy Blueger to be the headline deal of the deadline. But don’t be surprised if he ends up being one of those sneaky additions that makes a real difference when the games start to matter most.