Defenseman Shane Hnidy is returning to the Boston Bruins after signing a one-year deal with the team on Saturday.
Hnidy, who played with the Bruins from 2007-2009, had been working out with the team during their western Canadian swing since Wednesday. Hnidy, who spent time with the Minnesota Wild last season, is not quite game ready. The 35-year-old suffered a rotator cuff injury in training camp with the Phoenix Coyotes last fall, and hasn't yet been medically cleared.
Despite not being able to jump right into the Bruins lineup, Hnidy will give the Bruins defensive help down the end stretch of the season. With defenseman Andrew Ference going down in Saturday evening's 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks with a lower-body injury (on top of a career full of groin injuries), having experienced blue-liners becomes key for a Bruins' team looking to make a deep playoff run.
Hnidy also is a fan favorite. Called the "Sheriff" by teammates and fans, he is known for his key rallying fights during the 2007-08 season, according to the Boston Globe.
In addition to Hnidy, the Bruins signed AHL right winger Kirk MacDonald to a NHL contract. The RPI alum will remain playing for the Providence Bruins, where he has 27 points in 61 games this season.