Wild Sign Defenseman Hnidy to One-Year Contract

The Minnesota Wild added some toughness to their blueline on Friday by signing defenseman Shane Hnidy to a one-year contract worth $750,000. In 65 games last season with the Boston Bruins, Hnidy scored three goals and nine assists for 12 points and 45 penalty minutes. The nine assists were a career high for the veteran defenseman and his 12 points tied a career high in that category. In 477 career games with the Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, Atlanta Thrashers, and Anaheim Ducks, he scored 14 goals and 43 assists for 57 points and 565 penalty minutes. Not a bad signing for the Wild, as Hnidy brings some much needed toughness to their blueline. He will likely be the sixth defenseman on the blueline next season due to his lack of speed, but his stay-at-home qualities will be effective for the Wild.