Monday, August 8, 2011

Nashville Predators Sign Defenseman Jack Hillen

The Nashville Predators continue to stock defensemen on two-way contracts with the addition of Jack Hillen who played for the Islanders for parts of three seasons. 

The signing comes on the heels of the Preds successfully sending Brett Lebda through waivers earlier today. There remains questions as to whether Lebda can be bought out at this time.

Make the jump for the press release from the Preds on Hillen...

Preds Sign Defenseman Jack Hillen

Nashville, Tenn. (August 8, 2011) – 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.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

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