Jarred Tinordi isn’t ready to hang up the skates just yet.
The 6-foot-6 defenseman, who began his NHL journey with the Montreal Canadiens, is eyeing a return to pro hockey after being medically cleared following offseason knee surgery. According to Elliotte Friedman, Tinordi got the green light last week and is now exploring options to continue his career.
Tinordi last saw NHL action during the 2023-24 season with the Chicago Blackhawks. In 52 games patrolling the blue line for Chicago, he didn’t find the back of the net but chipped in nine assists and logged 67 penalty minutes. He brought his usual physical edge to the lineup, playing the kind of hard-nosed, stay-at-home game that’s defined his career.
This past season, Tinordi took his game to the AHL with the Calgary Wranglers. In a more limited role, he posted one goal and five total points, along with 29 penalty minutes and a solid plus-5 rating. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, they speak to a veteran presence who can still contribute in a depth role and bring leadership to a young locker room.
Originally drafted 22nd overall by the Canadiens in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Tinordi came into the league with plenty of promise. During his time in Montreal, he appeared in 46 games over four seasons, tallying six assists while racking up 66 penalty minutes, 55 blocked shots, and 81 hits. He finished his stint with the Habs with a minus-5 rating - not uncommon for a young defenseman breaking into the league on a team that was still finding its identity.
Now 13 years removed from his draft year, Tinordi is the kind of player who’s carved out a career through grit, size, and a willingness to do the dirty work. He’s not flashy, and he’s never been a big point producer, but he’s the type of veteran depth defenseman teams often look to when injuries hit or when playoff hockey demands a more physical, defensive style.
Whether it’s a return to the NHL or another season in the AHL, Tinordi’s looking to lace up the skates again - and for teams in need of a big-bodied blueliner with experience and edge, he could still be a valuable piece.