Blueger Ruled Out; Sullivan Ready for New Journey

In something far from a surprise, Pittsburgh Penguins fourth-line center Teddy Blueger will not be available Thursday night when the team opens the season against the Arizona Coyotes at PPG Paints Arena, coach Mike Sullivan confirmed.

Blueger has been dealing with an upper-body injury and has not advanced to being cleared for full contact in practice. He went onto the ice for a workout with conditioning coach Ty Hennes about a half-hour before the morning skate, then remained on the ice in a non-contact jersey for the optional skate.

He was joined by 11 teammates, including both goaltenders.

Sullivan said Blueger remains day to day. It does not appear that any other Penguins are out for the opener.

As expected, Tristan Jarry will start in goal against the Coyotes.

Sullivan Still Gets Butterflies

The big kid in Sullivan comes out when opening night arrives.

“It’s exciting. It’s exciting for all of us,”  Sullivan said. “It’s an opportunity for us to start a journey here that we’re all looking forward to. Every opening night there are always butterflies in your stomach. There’s a nervous excitement to it because we love this time of year. We love to start playing meaningful games and begin the journey.

“I think all of us that are associated with the game feel the same way. I’m not sure that ever goes away — I don’t care how old you are, how many years you coach in the league or how many years you play in the league. I just think that’s part of it.”

Penguins scout promoted

Kerry Huffman has been promoted from pro scout to director of professional scouting. He will oversee a four-person pro scouting staff and coordinate the Penguins’ pro scouting at the NHL and American Hockey League levels.

Huffman, a former NHL player and player agent, is in just his second season with the Penguins. He was teammates with Penguins general manager Ron Hextall in Philadelphia and Quebec.