Pens Points: Long Layoff

With Tuesday’s game now in the rearview mirror, the Penguins have all bolted off to various destinations for the All-Star break/CBA mandated bye week. During this time, there can no official team activities so any news will be scarce until the team returns to action late next week.

Begin your Thursday with the latest in Pens Points...

It seems like the Penguins have been tied to Jason Zucker since this past summer when the Phil Kessel to Minnesota rumors were in the air. Now still, over six months later, Zucker may still be a person of interest for the Penguins. [Pensburgh]

Jim Rutherford has never been one to hold back on making a trade when the pieces fall in place and the Penguins are in the market to make a deal. The only questions that remains is how long Rutherford is willing to wait. [Pensburgh]

While many depth players have stepped up in huge spots for the Penguins this season, no one has turned in quite a performance like Teddy Blueger. Now cementing himself as an NHL regular, Blueger is posting Selke-like numbers. [Pensburgh]

Blueger’s strong play has also made him a key piece on one of the Penguins most consistent lines this season. Alongside Zach Aston-Reese and Brandon Tanev, Blueger has helped power what is known as “Teddy’s line” by teammates. [Trib Live]

Following the conclusion of Tuesday night’s game, the Penguins reassigned a trio of players back to the AHL. Joseph Blandisi, Andrew Agozzino, and Kevin Czuczman will all head down to the minors for some playing time with the Pens are off. [Penguins]

You didn’t need to see what he’s done this season to place Mike Sullivan among the best coaches in hockey, but it makes an even stronger case that he may simply be the best in the business at the moment. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]

News and notes from around the NHL...

It’s slightly past the midway point of the NHL season but the All-Star Game is sort of an unofficial halfway marker. With a long break upcoming, it’s time for media to start dishing out some midseason awards, even if they are made up. [ESPN]

In what can only be described as a peak Philadelphia news story, police are currently investigating Flyers mascot Gritty for assault of a 13-year old boy. The alleged incident took place during a photoshoot in November. [NBC]

We’re almost a month into 2020 at this point but the NHL is still wrapping up their “Best of the Decade” awards. Patrick Kane is the latest to be honored by the NHL, winning “Goal of the Decade” for his 2010 Stanley Cup overtime winner. [NBC Sports]