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From the Nashville Predators:
Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed defenseman Jack Hillen to a one-year, two-way contract worth $650,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level.
Hillen, 25 (1/24/86), spent his first three professional seasons with the New York Islanders, most recently establishing career highs in goals (4) and points (22) while tying a personal best in assists (18) in 2010-11. The 5-10, 190-pound blueliner also ranked second on last season's Islanders' squad with 137 blocked shots in 64 games. In 175 career NHL contests, Hillen has 50 points (8g-42a) and 109 penalty minutes.
A native of Minnetonka, Minn., Hillen played four years at Colorado College (2004-08), highlighted by a senior season that named WCHA Defensive Player of the Year, WCHA Scholar Athlete of the Year and a First-Team All-American. Signed as a free agent by the Islanders on April 1, 2008, Hillen represented the United States at the 2010 World Championships, posting one assist in six games.
Is this another "tweener" who can add to the competition for depth spots in Nashville and/or lead the way in Milwaukee?
Here's his scouting report:
Assets
Flaws
Career Potential
Hmm... sounds a lot like Roman Josi and/or Ryan Ellis, no? In my mind the team could use a stay-at-home, penalty killing specialist more than another guy like this, but this could be more about stocking up the Admirals.
Earlier this summer, the Islanders declined to extend a Qualifying Offer to Hillen, which is why he was an unrestricted free agent and available for the Preds to sign.