The Vancouver Canucks have locked up their first pending free agent.
Teddy Blueger and the Canucks have agreed to a two-year, $3.6 million contract, the team announced Wednesday. The deal will carry an average annual value of $1.8 million.
“Teddy was a key addition to our team last year and we are really excited to have him back for a couple more seasons,” general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement. “His versatility and experience really helped our group in both the regular season and playoffs. He is a strong leader and someone we will count on a lot more moving forward.”
Speaking to reporters shortly after his signing, Blueger said that following last season in Vancouver, he wasn’t rushing to test free agency for the second consecutive year.
“We’re thrilled to be back, that was by far our No. 1 choice,” the centreman said. “Obviously, if it came to free agency, that’s kind of the way it goes but we’re extremely happy to be back.
“When the team was doing well, especially in the playoffs, it was such a special and unique atmosphere. There’s not a lot of places you’re going to get that in terms of hockey and the passion that the fans and the city brought, so I think an opportunity to kind of build off that and an opportunity to win in a place like that is something special. You never know how often that kind of opportunity can come along.”
Blueger joined the Canucks in free agency in 2023 after winning the Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights on a one-year deal worth $1.9 million.
Playing in the Canucks’ bottom six, the 29-year-old Latvian centred one of the best third lines in hockey alongside Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua. In 63 games this season, Blueger scored six goals and registered 28 points — tied for a career-high.
“There was obviously a two or three-month stretch where I was probably playing the most consistent and best hockey of my career, especially offensively,” Blueger continued. “Being a part of (the penalty kill), bringing different elements… I think those are important parts of my game.”
After the Canucks signed pending restricted free agent Filip Hronek to an eight-year contract, Blueger is the first of the unrestricted free agents to re-sign with the team. Other free agents include linemate Dakota Joshua, Elias Lindholm, Sam Lafferty, Tyler Myers, Nikita Zadorov, Ian Cole and Casey DeSmith.
Per CapFriendly.com, the Canucks now have $14.25 million of cap space available.
Blueger was selected in the second round, 52nd overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 2012 NHL Draft. He was with the Penguins for five seasons.