Ex-Blackhawks defenseman eyes NHL return after lengthy knee surgery rehab

The veteran defenseman spent 2024-25 with the AHL's Calgary Wranglers before the injury, and his NHL appearance came with the Chicago Blackhawks two seasons ago.

The 33-year-old former first-rounder (22nd overall, 2010 NHL Draft by Montreal Canadiens) once drew comparisons for his size and potential as a stay-at-home top-four defenseman.

At 6'6", Tinordi carried the build and pedigree-son of long-time NHLer Mark Tinordi-that could intimidate at the blue line.

He never quite turned that upside potential into long-term NHL success. After bouncing around with several organizations-including stops with the Arizona Coyotes, the Nashville Predators, the Boston Bruins, and the New York Rangers-he found a home of sorts in Chicago.

Over two seasons there, he played 96 games, recording two goals and 17 points while averaging about 16 minutes a night.

In Calgary, though, after signing a one-year, two-way deal worth $800,000, Tinordi served as an alternate captain for the Wranglers before the injury hit.

His 2024-25 AHL season was modest-one goal, five points in 30 games-but he logged a +5 rating and brought the physical style he's always offered.

Now that surgery is behind him, his options are murky but not nonexistent. Industry chatter suggests a return on a professional tryout agreement with the Blackhawks organization remains in play.

Tinordi is a rugged veteran who delivers hits, shot blocks, and physical presence-the kind of depth defender teams call up when wartime style matters more than point totals.

Realistically, at nearly 34 and coming off knee surgery, he's unlikely to get a long leash. But given his track record of bouncing between the AHL and NHL, if a team needs size and physicality, Tinordi could be an inexpensive fallback.

It would be fitting to see him latch onto a squad needing a gritty, veteran backend presence. We'll keep an eye as camps begin and PTOs roll out.