"Joe has NHL talent. He's a guy that has often been used in a depth role, but those players are extremely important to have," said Penguins assistant general manager Bill Guerin. "He has a high skill level and is a very competitive guy. There's no reason why Joe can't push to play in the NHL full-time."
Blandisi, who turns 25 on July 18th, began the 2018-19 season with the Anaheim Ducks organization, appearing in 27 games with the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League (AHL) where he tallied 23 points (8G-15A) before being traded to Pittsburgh on January 17, 2019. He appeared in six games with the Penguins and was then sent down the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL for the remaining 27 games of the season. During his time in WBS, he compiled 20 points (9G-11A) - the fourth highest total on the team during that span.
The 5-foot-11, 187-pound forward has played parts of four seasons in the NHL with New Jersey, Anaheim and Pittsburgh, appearing in 80 career games where he's registered 26 points (8G-18A). He made his NHL debut during the 2015-16 season with the New Jersey Devils, appearing in 41 games where he recorded career highs in goals (5), assists (12) and points (17).
At the American Hockey League level, Blandisi has appeared in 158 games, scoring 42 goals, 78 assists and 120 points. His best season came in 2016-17 with the Albany Devils where he put up 25 points (8G-17A) in 31 games before being recalled to the Devils. For his efforts, he was named an AHL All-Star.
Drafted by Colorado in the sixth round (162nd overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft, the Markham, Ontario native spent four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Owen Sound Attack, Ottawa 67's and Barrie Colts prior to turning pro. During his final year in the OHL in 2014-15, Blandisi served as an alternate captain for Barrie, where he led the OHL in goals (52) and finished fourth in the league in points (112). He appeared in a total of 245 career games in the OHL, compiling 244 points (108G-136A).
