Jets sign free agent Hendricks

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/08/2017 (3022 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Jets have added some veteran depth to their lineup with the signing of veteran centre Matt Hendricks to a one-year, US$700,000 deal.

Hendricks, 36, is a native of Blaine, Minn., who spent the past four seasons with the Edmonton Oilers before becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer.

He was selected in the fifth round of the 2000 NHL draft by the Nashville Predators and worked his way through the ECHL and AHL before making his NHL debut in 2008 with the Colorado Avalanche. He also played with the Washington Capitals and the Predators.

Hendricks is a six-foot, 207-pound depth forward who has played 521 career NHL games, with 49 goals and 51 assists.

He had four goals and three assists in 42 games with the Oilers last season. He’s no stranger to the penalty box, with 664 career minutes in the sin bin.

Two of his biggest strengths are in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill — which the Jets have struggled in over the past few seasons and are looking to improve upon.

Hendricks led the Oilers last year with a 56.9 winning percentage (132 of 232 draws). His career average in the dot is 53.9 per cent. As well, Hendricks has been among the top-25 NHL forwards in short-handed ice-time over the past five seasons, according to the Jets.

Exactly where he fits in with his new squad for the coming season remains to be seen — especially with the Jets in the midst of a major youth movement. But it will all start to get sorted out when training camp begins in mid-September.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca