Ruhwedel made his first appearance of the 2018-19 campaign in Thursday's clash with Calgary.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel logged 16:26 of ice time, in which he tallied one hit, two blocks and a minus-1 rating. The San Diego native replaced Juuso Riikola in the lineup versus the Flames and will likely have to split time with the youngster until Justin Schultz (lower leg) is cleared to return. At that point, both Ruhwedel and Riikola figure to spend a good chunk of time watching from the press box.

Ruhwedel has failed to appear in a game for the Penguins this season.

EDGE Analysis

While it's only two games, Ruhwedel will face an uphill battle to break into the lineup -- especially after the strong training camp performance by Juuso Riikola. In order to avoid losing him on waivers, Pittsburgh is unlikely to send Ruhwedel down either, so the San Diego native seems poised to spend a lot of time in the press box this season.

Ruhwedel failed to notch a single point during the Penguins' 12 postseason contests.

EDGE Analysis

While Ruhwedel's lack of offensive production may have be a concern for some, the coaching staff was likely content to continue utilizing him as a penalty-kill specialist. The blueliner averaged a mere 12:28 of ice time at even strength, but was fourth on the team in shorthanded ice time per game (2:08) -- behind only Kris Letang among defensemen. Although the 28-year-old did spend some time watching from the press box -- and may again periodically in 2018-19 -- he should be on the ice more often than not.

Ruhwedel has logged over 15 minutes of ice time on the penalty kill in the postseason.

EDGE Analysis

In six playoff contests, Ruhwedel is averaging a mere 14:40 of ice time, however, 2:33 of that is coming in shorthanded situations. As a result of his inclusion on the penalty kill, the winger has recorded a team high 12 blocks. Offensively, the San Diego native won't offer much in terms of productivity (zero playoff points), but the coaching staff no doubt values his defensive contributions as they look to three-peat as Stanley Cup champions.

Ruhwedel made his first appearance in the lineup against the Islanders on Saturday since Dec. 27.

EDGE Analysis

Even following the departure of Ian Cole, Ruhwedel has been unable to break into coach Mike Sullivan's blue line pairings, having been relegated to the press box for 27 straight games. In his return to the ice, the San Diego native logged 13:55 of ice time and compiled three hits, one shot and a plus-1 rating. Without a regular spot in the lineup, the 27-year-old won't offer much in terms of fantasy value -- even in deeper formats.

Ruhwedel (upper body) has been activated from injured reserve and is on the ice for pregame warmups ahead of Thursday's matchup with Minnesota, Jonathan Bombulie of TribLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel isn't going to be in the lineup for Thursday's contest, but he'll be ready to play following the upcoming all-star break if coach Mike Sullivan wants to shake things up on the back end. The 27-year-old American has notched one goal and three points in 30 contests this campaign.

Ruhwedel (upper body) won't dress for Saturday's matinee against the Red Wings, Wes Crosby of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Make that seven straight absences for the American defenseman, who's been a futile option in fantasy hockey anyway. Ruhwedel only has three points and a minus-7 rating through 30 games this campaign.

Ruhwedel (upper body) won't participate in Sunday's contest with Boston.

EDGE Analysis

With Pittsburgh set to enter a five day break after the tilt, it seems the training staff decided to rule on the cautious side for Ruhwedel's ailment and not rush him back. The San Diego native only has three points (one goal, two assists) in 30 contests this year averaging 15:51 of ice time, but if his recovery keeps progressing on schedule, Ruhwedel should have a good chance of returning Saturday against Detroit.

Ruhwedel (upper body) will be a game-time decision Sunday against the Bruins.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel hasn't played since Dec. 27 against Columbus, but he's still on injured reserve so he'll need to be activated before game time. The Penguins have six healthy defensemen and Brian Dumoulin (concussion) is a game-time decision as well, so there's less incentive to activate Ruhwedel, who has just one goal and two assists through 30 games.

Ruhwedel (upper body) was placed on the injured reserve on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

While his absence may not have much fantasy relevance, Pittsburgh's blue line is littered with injuries, most notably Kris Letang and Justin Schultz. Ruhwedel has just three points in 30 games this season with a minus-7 rating.