Bruins Sign Shane Hnidy to One-Year Contract

The Boston Bruins announced today that they have signed defenseman Shane Hnidy to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The contract will be for the rest of the 2010-11 season, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. Hnidy had been on a professional tryout contract with the team since February 23 and will begin his second stint with the Bruins, previously playing there from 2008 to 2009. In 70 games last season with the Minnesota Wild, he had two goals and 12 assists for 14 points and 66 penalty minutes. In 547 career NHL games with the Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, Atlanta Thrashers, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, and Minnesota Wild, he has 16 goals and 55 assists for 71 points and 631 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth signing for the Bruins, as Hnidy is likely being signed as defensive insurance for the playoffs. He will bring plenty of grit and toughness to the blueline as a seventh defenseman and should fit in nicely after already playing in Boston for parts of two seasons.