Ruhwedel is considered week-to-week after sustaining an upper-body injury against the Blue Jackets on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The news effectively rules Ruhwedel out for the Pens' next three outings. In 30 outings this season, the defenseman has been limited to a mere three points, so few fantasy owners should feel a significant impact from his absence. The team already recalled Frank Corrado to help stabilize the blue line, but could call-up an additional player if it decides to place Ruhwedel on injured reserve.

Coach Mike Sullivan offered no update on Ruhwedel's status after he left early during Wednesday's game against the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel logged just 10:03 of ice time prior to leaving, recording three shots on goal before to his exit. Though there was no further information on his departure after the contest, more information should arrive preceding Friday's game against the Hurricanes.

Ruhwedel recorded a goal and an assist through 18:48 of ice time during Monday's 4-2 loss to the Avalanche.

EDGE Analysis

The goal was the first of the season for Ruhwedel, and the multi-point showing was also the first scoresheet appearance since Oct. 12 -- a 22-game stretch. Obviously, this was a rare offensive outburst from the California native, and it's probably wise to leave Ruhwedel to the waiver wire in most settings.

Ruhwedel has not registered a point since Oct. 12 against the Lightning, which extends his drought to 19 games.

EDGE Analysis

Despite his lack of offensive production, Ruhwedel has staved off challenges from Ian Cole for a spot in the lineup in the Pens' last three contests. With the blue line healthy, the 27-year-old Ruhwedel will need to do everything coach Mike Sullivan asks of him to avoid being relegated to the press box. Not exactly a prolific scorer, 15 points on the year is likely the high ceiling for the Californian.

Ruhwedel is averaging a mere 12:40 of ice time, primarily observing the game from the bench.

EDGE Analysis

Considering most defensemen log closer to 20 minutes than 10 minutes per game, Ruhwedel's minimal utilization stands out. The 27-year-old could face the prospect of being bumped from the game-day lineup entirely once Matt Hunwick (concussion) is cleared to return to action. Unless he can up his minutes, Ruhwedel won't offer much in terms of fantasy value -- even in deeper formats.

Ruhwedel re-signed with the Penguins on a two-year deal worth $650,000 annually Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel stepped up big time for Pittsburgh when it was dealing with a bevy of injuries on the blue line. In the San Diego native's 34 outings this season, he averaged 17:20 of ice time and could be inline for more minutes if unrestricted free agents Ron Hainsey, Mark Streit, or Trevor Daley are not retained. With a handful of up and coming young defenders, Ruhwedel has separated himself from the rest of the pack as a shutdown defender, supplanting the likes of Derrick Pouliot.

Ruhwedel (concussion) has been medically cleared to play, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite being healthy, Ruhwedel is unlikely to slot back into the lineup as long as the Pens' top-six defensemen are available to play. The 27-year-old filled in admirably during his six postseason appearances -- and could play a role next year -- but figures to watch the remainder of the Stanley Cup Finals from the press box.

Ruhwedel (concussion) is out for Saturday's Game 3 against the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

Concussions are always tricky to predict, but with Trevor Daley now healthy, even if Ruhwedel is cleared to play he may not return to the lineup.

Ruhwedel (concussion) will remain sidelined for Game 2 on Wednesday against Nashville, Wes Crosby of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel did join his teammates for an optional morning skate Wednesday, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports, but has yet to be cleared for action. Even once the 27-year-old is given the green light, it is unlikely that he will be able to unseat any of the Pittsburgh defensemen for a spot in the game-day lineup.

Ruhwedel (concussion) took part in Thursday's optional skate sporting a non-contact jersey.

EDGE Analysis

The fact that Ruhwedel hasn't been cleared for contact yet effectively rules him out for Thursday's Game 7 against the Senators. If the Pens can get past Ottawa to make back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals and the 27-year-old is cleared, he may still find himself watching from the pressbox with Pittsburgh's blue line finally healthy.