The Nashville Predators have locked in some organizational depth with the signing of winger Kevin Henderson to a two-year, two-way contract. Henderson had a productive season in Milwaukee, which included a four-game call-up to the NHL which included a goal on April 19 at Chicago.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get another cup of coffee in the big leagues as an injury replacement, but this signing would appear to be mostly about solidifying the Admirals’ lineup.
The team’s press release follows:
Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed forward Kevin Henderson to a two-year, two-way contract. He will make $550,000 at the NHL level and $75,000 at the AHL level in 2013-14, and $550,000 at the NHL level and $80,000 at the AHL level in 2014-15.
Henderson, 26 (12/3/86), suited up for Nashville’s final four regular-season contests in 2012-13, scoring a goal in his NHL debut on April 19, 2013 at Chicago. The 6-3, 210-pound left wing also ranked third on the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) in goals (17) and plus/minus rating (+13) during the 2012-13 campaign, his second season with Nashville’s primary developmental affiliate. Since 2009, Henderson has 76 points (31g-45a) in 234 AHL games with Worcester and Milwaukee.
Signed by the Predators as a free agent on July 1, 2012, the undrafted Toronto native helped the University of New Brunswick win the 2009 CIS National Championship, receiving 2008-09 CIS All-Canadian Honorable Mention after tying for fifth in the nation in points (19g-31a-50pts) and goals, and ranking fourth in assists and plus/minus (+31). He was also teammates with current Predators Nick Spaling (2005-07) and Matt Halischuk (2006-07) with the Kitchener Rangers during his OHL career.
Henderson is on Twitter @KHendo86.