"This guy is a traffic cone" " He’s the new tank commander": Hockey fans react to Jarred Tinordi's one-year $800,000 contract with Flames

The Calgary Flames signed veteran defenseman Jarred Tinordi to a one-year, $800,000 contract on Tuesday. The deal is a two-way contract, which means Tinordi can be sent to the minors if need be.

While the signing is supposedly low risk, some Calgary fans were not happy with the signing.

"I feel like we’re signing too many dmen. Why are we blocking guys like [Yan Kuznetsov] or [Jeremie Poirier] from getting a shot if we’re gonna suck anyways lol," a fan commented.

"It’s official - he’s the new tank commander," a fan wrote.

"Legit worst player in the nhl. Great guy but holy crap is he difficult to watch will help the tank nicely," a fan added.

Another fan criticized his mobility, suggesting opponents would fly by the defenseman:

"This guy is a traffic cone."

Jarred Tinordi was selected 22nd overall in the 2010 NHL draft and might bring some veteran experience to the Flames' blueline.

"Stay at home blueliner, depth piece. Interesting add. Some blueline competition and a veteran piece," a fan added.

"Jordan Oesterle replacement," a fan said.

Jarred Tinordi has skated in 205 NHL games, recording four goals and 26 assists. He has played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens.

Apart from inking Tinordi, Calgary also signed veteran defenseman Tyson Barrie through a professional tryout.

Calgary Flames continue rebuild with Jarred Tinordi signing

The Calgary Flames are not expected to be one of the better teams in the NHL in the upcoming season, but by inking Jarred Tinordi they have added a piece to their rebuild.

Calgary traded Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils for a first-round draft pick in June and dealt Andrew Mangiapane to the Washington Capitals for a second-round pick in July. In free agency, the team signed goaltender Devin Cooley, forwards Ryan Lomberg and Anthony Mantha as well as Calgary-born-and-raised defenseman Jake Bean.

General manager Craig Conroy said in July:

“You want to build towards something, you want to build towards where you’re a consistent playoff team and then when you get in the playoffs continue to build and the ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup.

“When? You try to put a little bit of a time frame but it’s the NHL, it’s tough … you’re just trying to do the right things to build your team the way we’ve envisioned it.” [H/T Calgary Herald]

The Flames will open their 2024-25 NHL season on the road on Oct. 9 against the Vancouver Canucks.