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A trip down memory lane: Teddy Blueger

Teddy Blueger didn't spend much time as a Golden Knight. But what did he do in his Vegas tenure?

By Jacob Walters |
2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Five
2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Five / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages
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Sometimes, it's better to be lucky than good. When you're traded to the Vegas Golden Knights and win the Stanley Cup, nothing else matters. That's what happened to Teddy Blueger, who was traded to Vegas from Pittsburgh last season.

The former Penguin was brought in as a special teams specialist, helping on the penalty kill. He nabbed a Stanley Cup in the process, making his tenure successful.

So what defined Teddy Blueger's time as a Vegas Golden Knight? There's much more to his tenure in Sin City than just winning the most treasured prize in sports.

1. Vegas Origins

2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Two
2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Two / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

Teddy Blueger isn't originally from Las Vegas. In fact, he's not even from the United States. The center was born in Riga, Latvia, before moving to Minnesota during his youth.

Blueger eventually made his way to Las Vegas in a trade from Pittsburgh. He was sent to the Vegas Golden Knights for prospect Peter DeLiberatore and the 2024 third-round draft pick.

The center has represented his home country of Latvia on numerous levels. From playing for Latvia at the 2011 IIHF World Juniors U18 Championship to being named to play at the IIHF World Championship, he's played against the world's best.

2. Blueger's Stat Line

Dallas Stars v Vegas Golden Knights - Game One
Dallas Stars v Vegas Golden Knights - Game One / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

Teddy Blueger was brought in to help the Vegas Golden Knights with the penalty kill. The special teams were lingering and Bruce Cassidy needed a boost. Therefore, the Latvian star came in to boost the unit.

In 18 games, Blueger scored two goals and four assists for the Golden Knights. He also brought some physicality to the Golden Knights, creating 17 hits. While Blueger had a silent campaign with Vegas, he did his job for the team when they needed it.

His specialty is a perfect example of this. On the penalty kill, Blueger won 66.7% of his faceoffs during his Vegas tenure and blocked a shot. While the center wasn't the splashiest player on the Vegas Golden Knights, he did his job.

3. Teddy Blueger's Work Now

Anaheim Ducks v Vancouver Canucks
Anaheim Ducks v Vancouver Canucks / Ethan Cairns/GettyImages

Teddy Blueger left the Vegas Golden Knights to sign a one-year, $1.9 million deal with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1, 2023. He has six goals and 21 assists this season with Vancouver, making his mark on the young squad. As a result, the Canucks are atop the Pacific Division.

Most Golden Knights fans won't remember Teddy Blueger and his tenure in Las Vegas. However, he made an impact on the team, helping them win their first Stanley Cup.

942. 42-26-8. April 8, 2024. Vegas Golden Knights vs. Vancouver Canucks. 47-22-8. 104. VAN -120. 7:00 PM PST. NHLPP/ESPN+

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