Ruhwedel (upper body) skated ahead of Friday's practice session, but he will miss the evening's clash with Nashville, Josh Getzoff of PensTV reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel has been sidelined since Feb. 26 versus Columbus due to his upper-body problem. Even once cleared to play, the San Diego native doesn't have much of a shot at a spot in the lineup and will be forced to continue watching from the press box.

Ruhwedel (upper body) took a twirl on the ice ahead of Tuesday's practice session, Michelle Crechiolo of Pens Inside Scoop reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel is progressing according to coach Mike Sullivan, but the fact that he is not yet practicing with the team likely means he remains week-to-week. Still, Pittsburgh has a few days off before Friday's clash with Nashville, which should give the San Diego native time to work with the team if he is cleared to return to practice. Even once given the green light to play, the blueliner is unlikely to break into the lineup and figures to continue watching from the press box.

Ruhwedel (upper body) is facing an extended absence after coach Mike Sullivan told reporters, "Ruhwedel is longer term with an upper-body injury."

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel previously spent much of the season serving as a healthy scratch, but played in the last seven games due to other injuries on the blue line. Now hurt himself, the San Diego native could miss the 20-game mark for the first time since joining the Penguins. Newly acquired defenseman Erik Gudbranson figures to take Ruhwedel's spot in the lineup, while Chris Wideman is a candidate to be called up from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to provide additional depth.

Ruhwedel had his arm in a sling after Tuesday's game versus the Blue Jackets and officially has an upper-body injury, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

The hit from Nick Foligno clearly did some damage to Ruhwedel, but the severity of his condition remains unclear. With an assortment of injuries on the Penguins' blue line, they'll likely need to recall a minor-league player if Ruhwedel can't play Friday versus the Sabres.

Ruhwedel exited Tuesday's game versus the Blue Jackets with an undisclosed injury, Josh Getzoff of PensTV reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel got leveled by Nick Foligno in the second period and was absent from the bench to start the third. The Penguins already have a battered blue line with Kris Letang (upper body), Olli Maatta (shoulder) and Brian Dumoulin (concussion) on the mend. Erik Gudbranson will likely have his visa concerns shored up before Friday's game versus the Sabres, but the Pens may need to dip into their AHL affiliate for depth.

Ruhwedel's first goal of the season stood as the decisive tally in a 4-3 win over the Devils on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel lasered a pass from Evgeni Malkin past Devils goalie Keith Kinkaid's stick side. Ruhwedel spent a lot of time in the press box in December and January, but the goal may help him earn steadier minutes. It was his first point in 15 games this year, and he added four shots and two hits in the contest. Ruhwedel is a non-factor for fantasy purposes.

Ruhwedel was once again watching from the press box for Wednesday's clash with Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel has served as a healthy scratch in the Penguins' last 31 contests and hasn't played an NHL game since Nov. 19 -- he did spent a conditioning stint in the minors. Even with the departure of Jamie Oleksiak to Dallas, Ruhwedel hasn't been able to crack the lineup and will likely fall further down the depth chart once Justin Schultz (lower leg) is cleared to return.

Ruhwedel was recalled from his conditioning assignment with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Seth Rorabaugh of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel notched five points during his five-game stint with the minor league Penguins. He will most likely head back to the press box as a healthy scratch now that he's been brought back to Pittsburgh.

Ruhwedel will join AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on a conditioning assignment, the team announced Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The move shouldn't come as s shock, considering Ruhwedel hasn't played since Nov. 19, a stretch of 18 games in the press box. The decision to get the defenseman some playing time is a good indication Jamie Oleksiak (concussion) will be available against the Blues on Saturday. Once Justin Schultz (lower leg) is cleared to return, the Penguins may have to consider making Ruhwedel's demotion to the minors permanent.

Ruhwedel has served as a healthy scratch in 17 consecutive games.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel's chances of earning some play time took a hit when the Penguins acquired Marcus Pettersson from the Ducks. Even with Jamie Oleksiak (concussion) unavailable, coach Mike Sullivan opted to utilize Juuso Riikola instead. While it's still over a month away, the eventual return of Justin Schultz (lower leg) could result in Ruhwedel being placed on waivers for purpose of shipping him down to the minors.