Chicago Blackhawks Re-Sign Defenseman Jordan Hendry

The Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed defenseman Jordan Hendry to a one-year deal worth $600,000.

Hendry, 26, appeared in a career high 43 games with the Blackhawks, posting eight points and a plus-minus rating of five.

Along with the 43 regular season games, Hendry appeared in 15 playoff games in which he was held scoreless and had a plus-minus rating of minus four.

For half of the season last year Hendry was the Hawks seventh defenseman, but with the plethora of injuries sustained on the blueline Hendry was thrust into a starting role.

During the playoffs, Hendry saw limited minutes and eventually was benched in the Stanley Cup finals for veteran blueliner Nick Boynton.

It is likely that Hendry will enter the season as the Blackhawks sixth defenseman and with the added experience from last year, he should provide the 'Hawks with some quality minutes.

With Hendry signed, the Blackhawks now have six defenseman under contract and will likely look to carry seven defensemen during the regular season. 

So the debate is whether the 'Hawks decide to go with a young prospect like Shawn Lalonde or Nick Leddy or will they look to add a free agent defenseman like Aaron Ward or Jay McKee.

From what GM Stan Bowman has said, it looks like the 'Hawks will go the free agent route, but you never know.

The 'Hawks are on their way to having a full roster and are just a few move away from having a complete roster ready to defend the Stanley Cup.