Penguins forward Teddy Blueger out 6 to 8 weeks with fractured jaw

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Teddy Blueger will be sidelined six to eight weeks following surgery for a fractured jaw.

The team announced Blueger’s status Monday afternoon. He was injured during Sunday’s 3-2 shootout home win against the Winnipeg Jets.

At 11 minutes, 3 seconds of the first period, Blueger chased a puck on the end boards of the offensive zone and was driven into the glass on a high hit by Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon.

Blueger staggered after the collision before falling to the ice. He eventually made his way to the Penguins bench and dressing room leaving a trail of blood. Afterward, it took arena staffers several minutes to clean the ice and even the runway to the dressing room.

There was no penalty on the sequence for Dillon, and the NHL has not announced any supplemental discipline.

Following the game, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan labeled the play as “a hit to the head.”

Related:

• Tim Benz: Penguins living in the comfort of a hot streak — regardless of how it is happening
• Grading the Penguins at the midway point of 2021-22

Blueger formally was placed on injured reserve Monday. He is the team’s fourth player currently designated to injured reserve, joining forwards Drew O’Connor (undisclosed) and Jason Zucker (undisclosed) and goaltender Louis Domingue (right foot). O’Connor and Zucker are designated to long-term injured reserve which offers some relief against the salary cap.

In 40 games this season, Blueger, who typically is deployed in a defensive role, has 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) while averaging 15:40 of ice time.

Follow the Penguins all season long.