T.J. Hensick Signs Two-Year Deal

photo © 2011 Bridget Samuels | more info (via: Wylio)
It’s a new contract involving a T.J., but it isn’t the T.J. we’ve all been wondering about. T.J. Hensick has signed a new contract to remain within the St. Louis organization for the next two years, as reported by the team’s site.

Hensick skated in 13 games during the 2010-11 season and managed just one goal and two assists. His best performances came at the AHL level with the Peoria Rivermen where he was consistently providing offense, finishing with 21 goals and 48 assists in 59 games.

Unfortunately, Hensick’s nose for the net at the AHL level has, to date, failed to translate at the NHL level. Most worrisome is the fact that often Hensick looked like a child amongst men while on the ice, often drifting along with the play without making any serious impact on the game. It’s obviously tough to jump right in at the NHL level and skate alongside guys that already have chemistry, but Hensick looked completely absent whenever he took his shift.

That being said, given his AHL stats, it is obvious that Hensick does have a considerable amount of talent and the Blues feel it is worth giving him another shot over the next couple years. It’s frustrating to see him dominate at the AHL level while looking like a different skater at the NHL level, but perhaps that’s something he can sort out through the duration of his new contract.

Hensick’s role for the 2011-12 season will be determined on what the Blues decide to do with their remaining free agents and if they decide to make any moves in the open market. The 25 year old will compete for a spot in training camp and could crack the NHL roster, but for my money, I’m not comfortable giving Hensick a full-time role given his disappointing play last season.