Teodors Bļugers
Teodors Bļugers is a Latvian professional ice hockey forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League. He was selected 52nd overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Penguins, making him the third-highest selected Latvian hockey player in the NHL Entry Draft, behind Zemgus Girgensons and Sandis Ozoliņš.Playing career
Bļugers began playing hockey in BHS hockey school, founded by former Dinamo Rīga player Helmuts Balderis.
In 2009 Bļugers moved to North America to play in junior leagues. He committed to a collegiate career with Minnesota State University, Mankato and played four seasons in the NCAA from 2012 to 2016. Bļugers was named to the All-Tournament Team for the 2014 WCHA Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. In 2015–16, Bļugers was named to the All-WCHA First Team.
On 22 March 2016, Bļugers signed an entry-level agreement with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He finished the 2015–16 season with Penguins' AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins playing in 10 games. In his first full season with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, Bļugers set a new franchise record for plus-minus rating by a rookie with a +24.
Bļugers made his NHL debut on 30 January 2019, in Pittsburgh's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. On 1 February 2019, Bļugers scored his first NHL goal, against the Ottawa Senators in a 5–3 Penguins win.
On 16 July 2019, Bļugers re-signed with the Penguins on a two-year, one-way contract with an average annual value of $750,000.International play
Bļugers has represented Latvia at the international junior level, appearing in the 2011 IIHF World U18 Championships and four World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He made his senior debut when he was selected to play for Latvia at the 2017 IIHF World Championship. The following year, he was again named to the Latvia national team to compete at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.Personal life
Bļugers has a younger brother, Roberts who also plays hockey.Career statistics
Regular season and playoffs
International
Awards and honours
