Ruhwedel (upper body) won't play Friday against New Jersey.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel also missed Wednesday's game versus Detroit because of the injury. He has an assist in 17 contests this season. Ty Smith is set to make his Penguins' debut on the third pairing with Brian Dumoulin.

Per Wes Crosby of NHL.com, Ruhwedel (upper body) is still being evaluated, indicating he won't be available for Wednesday's game versus the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel will miss at least one contest with the upper-body injury he sustained during Tuesday's loss to the Islanders. With Ruhwedel sidelined, look for Ty Smith or Mark Friedman to enter the lineup against Detroit.

Ruhwedel (undisclosed) exited Tuesday's game versus the Islanders in the second period, Taylor Haase of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel was in and out of the locker room, but left late in the second period and didn't return for the third. The 32-year-old defenseman has just one assist through 17 appearances this season, so he likely won't be missed much in fantasy. If Ruhwedel isn't able to play Wednesday versus the Red Wings, Mark Friedman would likely enter the lineup. Head coach Mike Sullivan clarified Ruhwedel is dealing with an upper-body injury, per Haase.

Ruhwedel was blanked against the Blue Jackets on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel has been pressed into service with Kris Letang (illness) sidelined indefinitely but shouldn't be expected to replace Letang's offensive production. In his 10 appearances this year, Ruhwedel has just one helper, seven shots and 13 hits while averaging a mere 13:36 of ice time.

Ruhwedel registered an assist to complement a plus-2 rating in Friday's 4-2 win over the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel's playing time has diminished, in no small part because the Penguins appear committed to fast-tracking the development of 2017 first-round pick (No. 23 overall) Pierre-Olivier Joseph, who wound up in Pittsburgh as part of the Phil Kessel trade. However, Joseph is currently dealing with an upper-body injury, and the Pens prioritized work for Ruhwedel ahead of AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton call-up Mark Friedman, at least for the latest contest.

Ruhwedel crafted a goal and an assist to complement a plus-3 rating in Saturday's 7-2 rout against the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel made his only shot count in this one, as he caught goalie Thomas Greiss completely out of position. He also posted a secondary apple on an Evgeni Malkin goal which culminated in his first two-point effort of the season. The physical blueliner has four goals, nine assists, 77 blocked shots and 140 hits with three games remaining in the regular season.

Ruhwedel added a goal in a 3-2 win over the Blues on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel dropped the first goal of the game in this one, scoring 14:42 into the first period. The defenseman also added two PIM and two hits. In 58 contests this season, Ruhwedel has three goals and five assists.

Ruhwedel signed a two-year, $1.6 million contract extension with Pittsburgh on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel's extension begins following the 2021-22 season and keeps him in Pittsburgh through 2023-24. His new deal carries an average annual amount of $800,000. The 31-year-old has tallied six points, delivered a career-high 91 hits, blocked a career-high 43 shots and averaged 15:25 of ice time over 47 games this season.

Ruhwedel notched an assist, four hits, three blocked shots and two PIM in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel set up Mike Matheson's tally in the second period. The assist snapped a month-long drought on offense for Ruhwedel, who last got on the scoresheet Jan. 13 with a helper versus the Kings. The 31-year-old blueliner has five assists, 87 hits, 40 blocked shots, 45 shots on net and a plus-3 rating in 45 appearances. There are likely higher-scoring defensemen available on the waiver wire in most formats.

Ruhwedel (COVID-19 protocols) is expected to play Tuesday against Washington, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel was placed on the COVID-19 list earlier Tuesday but it appears that could've been a false positive. The 31-year-old blueliner is expected to skate in his usual bottom-pair role against the Capitals.