A deep dive into the 2023-24 season of Vancouver Canucks forward Teddy Blueger.

Welcome to the 2023-24 Vancouver Canucks player review series. Over the summer, we will be taking a look at Canucks players performances from the 2023-24 season. Today's player is Teddy Blueger, who, in his first season with the organization, had six goals and 28 points in 68 games. 

Blueger was a valuable player during his first year in Vancouver. For some time, he centred the best third line in hockey alongside Dakota Joshua and Conor Garland while also leading all forwards in shorthanded time on ice. It is clear that he fits Rick Tocchet's system, which is why he was rewarded with a two-year extension at the end of the year.

When looking at NHL EDGE, Blueger's zone time really stands out. At even-strength, he ranked in the 84th percentile for offensive zone time at 42.8%, while his 38.7% defensive zone time was in the 82 percentile. These percentages mean that when Blueger was on the ice, the puck was outside of the defensive zone for 61.3% of the time. Ultimately, when Blueger was on the ice, the opposition had trouble generating zone time as well as chances at even strength. 

As mentioned, Blueger was part of one of the best third lines in hockey. The trio played 360:57 together during the regular season, outscoring opponents 21-10. They also had an 88-51 high-danger chances advantage and a 60.65 xGF%. Throughout the year, they were often the team's best line, as they were able to find ways to create energy and get the Canucks back into the game. 

Blueger was also productive when he played away from Joshua and Garland. In 302:25, Blueger had an xGF% of 54.74 and a 78-52 high-danger chances advantage. The only significant difference was that his linemates couldn't put the puck in the net, as Vancouver's shooting percentage went from 12.07% to 4.93% when Blueger was with other teammates. 

While Blueger was productive at even strength, his work on the penalty kill was arguably his biggest contribution to the team. As mentioned, he led all forwards in ice time at 143:01 and had a GA/60 rate of 8.39. During the regular season, Blueger also scored two shorthanded goals and had two shorthanded assists, finishing tied for 12th across the NHL in shorthanded points. 

As for the playoffs, this is where Blueger really shined on the penalty kill. Leading all forwards with 32:55, Blueger finished the postseason, having been on the ice for only three goals against. He successfully held the Nashville Predators off the scoresheet through Games 1-4 and blanked the Edmonton Oilers from Games 2-6. Often the first forward over the boards, Blueger played a vital role in the Canucks penalty kill, finishing over 80% in the postseason.  

Overall, signing Blueger during the 2023 offseason was one of the best moves GM Patrik Allvin made. Blueger helped solidify Vancouver's center depth while providing value on the penalty kill. If he can replicate his performance next season, it should go a long way in helping the Canucks retain their Pacific Division crown. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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