Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a dream, only to face setback after setback. That's the story of Jarred Tinordi, and after recovering from knee surgery, he's not giving up yet. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman recently reported that Tinordi is healthy and ready to reignite his hockey career. After spending the 2024-25 season with the Calgary Wranglers in the AHL before his injury, the towering defenseman is hoping to prove he still has what it takes to compete, having last seen NHL ice with the Chicago Blackhawks two seasons prior.
But let's rewind. Tinordi's journey began with immense promise. Drafted 22nd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2010, the towering 6'6" defenseman was envisioned as a cornerstone, a shutdown presence patrolling the blue line for years to come. He was the son of former NHL defenseman Mark Tinordi, possessing the coveted hockey pedigree, impressive reach, and undeniable defensive potential. During his time with the London Knights, he was known as a physical force. However, he only managed 30 points in his OHL career. And this is the part most people miss... As the game shifted towards speed and skill in the 2010s, the demand for players with Tinordi's specific skillset diminished, impacting his draft stock and future trajectory.
Unfortunately, Tinordi struggled to establish himself in Montreal, leading to a trade to Arizona in early 2016. But here's where it gets controversial... The trade also involved John Scott, who would later become an All-Star, sparking debate about the Canadiens' decision-making at the time. Tinordi's stint with the Coyotes was short-lived, appearing in just seven games before spending the 2016-17 season with their AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners. Despite the brief time in Tucson, he etched his name in Roadrunners' history, scoring the first-ever goal in the team's home debut. Talk about a memorable moment!
Following a stop in the Pittsburgh Penguins' system, Tinordi signed with the Nashville Predators, slated to captain their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. By this stage, he was recognized as a dependable AHL player with strong leadership qualities. However, a long-term NHL career seemed like a distant aspiration. But Tinordi refused to be defined by limitations. Through sheer determination, he earned a spot in the Predators' lineup in 2019-20, playing in 28 games and scoring his first NHL goal at the age of 27 – a testament to his perseverance. Just a year later, in 2021, he found himself on waivers, leading to brief stints with the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. At 30, Tinordi was then acquired by the Chicago Blackhawks.
After a decade of relentless effort, bouncing between the AHL and NHL across six different organizations, Tinordi's unwavering commitment paid off in the 2022-23 season, solidifying his role as a full-time NHL player for Chicago. The veteran suited up for 96 games for the Blackhawks, providing much-needed physicality and leadership to a team undergoing a rebuild, even if the team's overall performance struggled.
Last season, Tinordi signed a two-way deal with Calgary, serving as an alternate captain for the Wranglers before his knee injury sidelined him. Now, fully recovered, NHL opportunities may be scarce for the defenseman, who will turn 34 in February. The game's increasing speed and the challenge of returning from knee surgery present significant hurdles. Yet, considering his remarkable journey, many hope an AHL team will offer the veteran a chance to continue his career in North America. Some speculated in September that the Blackhawks might be interested in a reunion. Regardless of what lies ahead, Tinordi has defied expectations, carving out a substantial career with 205 NHL games under his belt.
So, what do you think? Does Tinordi deserve another shot in the AHL or even the NHL? Is his experience and leadership still valuable assets to a team? Or has the game simply passed him by? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
