Chicago weighs blue line options as Jarred Tinordi readies NHL return

The veteran defender, now 33, was cleared last week after offseason knee surgery and began skating again with the intention of returning to NHL action.

He played 52 games for Chicago in 2023 to 2024, posting nine points and logging heavy defensive zone minutes on a team that struggled to contain slot pressure.

Tinordi brings a physical edge that rarely goes out of style. His six-foot-six frame still alters cycles, and he averaged more than three hits per game during his last Chicago run, which ranked inside the team's top five that season.

The current blue line in Chicago lacks experienced depth, and the penalty kill remains inconsistent. The Blackhawks sit near the bottom third of the league in goals against, and their younger defenders often battle long shifts when entries are not stopped cleanly.

To mention, Tinordi's size matched with his physical presence, and paired with 6-foot-8 Hawks defenseman Louis Crevier, it would make a beastly third-defensive pairing and solid protection for Connor Bedard.

We've witnessed Tinordi stand up for his Blackhawks teammates in the past, and against other tough customers like Matt Martin of the New York Islanders.

Chicago's coaching staff has tried mixing pairs, but the group still leans heavily on Wyatt Kaiser and Connor Murphy for lengthy minutes each night.

Adding a familiar veteran like Tinordi could steady the second and third pairs, which currently allow too many controlled entries. His shot blocking remains reliable, and his willingness to clear the crease helps younger goalies find cleaner sightlines.

The update came from Elliotte Friedman, who noted Tinordi's recovery and career hopes earlier this week.

Tinordi spent last season with AHL Calgary and logged steady minutes in 55 games, according to league records, showing that his conditioning and mobility held up before the surgery. His cap hit would be modest, and Chicago has enough room to make a short-term addition without disrupting the long-term plan.

A return would depend on how his knee responds to full practices, yet the possibility makes sense given Chicago's situation. The roster needs insulation, and Tinordi has shown he can provide stabilizing, no-nonsense minutes when healthy.

If the Blackhawks decide to explore this reunion, the move would signal a desire to support their young core with dependable veteran muscle.