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Penguins' Chad Ruhwedel: Agrees to two-year deal

Ruhwedel stepped up big time for Pittsburgh when the club 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, but he could be in line 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 blueliners in the organization, Ruhwedel has separated himself from the rest of the pack as a shutdown defender, supplanting the likes of Derrick Pouliot.

Penguins' Chad Ruhwedel: Cleared for action

Despite being healthy, Ruhwedel is unlikely to slot back into the lineup as long as the Pengins' 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 Final from the press box.

Penguins' Chad Ruhwedel: Out again for Game 3

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.

Penguins' Chad Ruhwedel: Won't play Wednesday

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

Penguins' Chad Ruhwedel: Skates in non-contact jersey

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 press box, as Pittsburgh's blue line has finally gotten relatively healthy.