While playing for the Jets last season, Hendricks saw action in 60 games, but only averaged 9:25 of ice time. Minutes won't be any easier for the veteran winger to come by with the Wild, as he will need to compete with J.T. Brown and Marcus Foligno for a spot in the lineup. A physically imposing player, the Minnesota native won't offer his home-state team much in terms of offensive contributions, although that was never his strong suit to begin with, having cracked the 20-point mark just once in his career.
At 34 years of age and without a double-digit goal season on his resume, Hendricks' fantasy appeal has been limited for quite some time. He'll be relied upon as a veteran influence for all of the young players on the Oilers roster while doing the grunt work on the fourth line.
Hendricks, who signed a four-year, $7.4 million contract with Nashville in July, is a versatile forward who has had limited offensive output the last four seasons, averaging close to seven goals his last four campaigns in Washington. He will likely toil in a checking-line role if he manages to make the team out of training camp this season. Otherwise, expect him to open the season at AHL Milwaukee.
A defensive forward that piles on the hits, Hendricks delivered 209 hits last season. He won't contribute much offensively, but he's one player the Caps rely on to help shut down the opposition.
Hendricks finally made it to the NHL at age 29, and he will continue to provide depth and secondary scoring for the boys in D.C. Hendricks is a hardworking two-way player, but has no fantasy relevance. With 25 points last season, it is safe to assume he will be right around 30 plus for this coming year.
Hendricks had 14 goals and 15 assists in 43 games in the AHL during the 2008-2009 season. He will be competing for the third- or fourth-line center position at this year's training camp, but he will be in tough with the likes of the two T.J.'s - Galiardi and Hensick also vying for those spots. You'll probably see him start the season back in the AHL.
Hendricks signed with Boston in July 2007 and was traded to Colorado in June of 2008. He has yet to see any time at the NHL level, and with the Avs' current depth at center, there's little reason to think that will change this season.
Hendricks was assigned by the Bruins to their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, in September. Unless the big club is in desperate need of callups this season, don't count on Hendricks spending any time at the NHL level for at least one more year.