Many Chicago Blackhawks players faced injuries during the 2023-24 campaign. One of the most unlucky players was defenseman Jarred Tinordi. He's a big, bruising blue liner, which is a warranted quality on the back end. However, that same quality can force a player to miss a lot of games, as that was the case for Tinordi.
Tinordi arrived in Chicago as a waiver claim in 2022-23 but quickly earned his way into a one-year extension from Kyle Davidson. After what was largely a career year for Tinordi in 2022-23, there was a slight regression from the journeyman in 2023-24.
Although Tinordi posted more points in 2023-24, his first season in Chicago was the better version. He only played 44 games due to injuries as well but scored a career-high two goals while adding six helpers. Tinordi recorded nine points (all assists) this past season in more games (52) but had far less of an impact on the team.
Tinordi wasn't an offensive factor but posted respectable numbers in terms of blocks (94) and hits (171). The 32-year-old veteran was fourth and second on the roster in those respective categories. However, a -27 rating and too many injuries to count put a real damper on his season.
Tinordi is a left-handed shot, which is something the Blackhawks have a lot of in the system. If he's going to continue getting regular NHL time, it's unlikely that it'll be with the Hawks.
Toughness is appreciated, but Jarred Tinordi had far too many defensive lapses to earn a satisfactory grade. I give him credit for owning up to his bad games, however, those occurred far too often. With minimal offensive skills in his toolbox, Tinordi needed to be better in his own end, and he simply wasn't.
Jarred Tinordi may not be the best defender in the NHL, but he sure can drop the gloves, which he did six times in 2023-24. While the users on HockeyFights.com may have scored his bouts with a 2-4 record, our record keepers here at Four Feathers didn't reflect that same sentiment, giving him a 4-2 record the other way.
He also provided Hawks fans with one of the best hits of the 2023-24 season, sending Kirby Dach flying over the boards in October. Other areas of Tinordi's game are of some obvious concern, but as an enforcer defenseman on a bottom-dweller team, Tinordi accepted his role and assignment and earned himself a solid grade.
Jarred Tinordi brings a lot in terms of physicality, and for that, he gets to keep a "passing" grade. However, Jonnie said it best, he's not a great defender and doesn't have a lot of offensive upside. With so many left-handed defensemen in the minors, Tinordi's place in Chicago is likely gone. The physicality was cool and tough, but he gets a C- from me for his lack of skill and lack of availability.
Jarred Tinordi will hit the UFA market on July 1 when all the chaos begins. Had Chicago needed a physical force with a left-handed shot on the blue line, Tinordi would likely get another crack. He may remain around as organizational depth, but it's unlikely that Kyle Davidson will let Tinordi take minutes away from young defensemen in Rockford. With that in mind, Tinordi's days in Chicago are likely over.
Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Jarred Tinordi? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!
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