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.