The Peoria Rivermen got a big scoring boost from the Blues today, as the parent club re-signed RFA center T.J. Hensick to a new two-year deal.
Hensick had been entertaining offers from European clubs, but opted to remain in the Blues' organization after getting a "significant raise" in his minor-league salary.
"Obviously the goal for me is to play more NHL games again," said Hensick, who has played 114 NHL games over a four-year pro career with Colorado and St. Louis. "I had a really strong offer from HV71 in the Swedish Elite League, but the Blues countered with a significant raise in the minor-league portion of the second year of my contract and that was one of the things that tipped it."
Hensick hopes that re-upping with the Blues will encourage other free agents to sign with the organization, and "get some big-name guys to come in here and help us in Peoria."
The Michigan native was Peoria's leading scorer in the regular season (59 GP, 31-48-69, plus-8) and the playoffs (4 GOP, 2-1-3, 1 PPG), and finished tenth overall in the AHL regular-season scoring race despite being limited by callups to just 59 AHL games.
Hensick also was a key member of Peoria's power play, which contributed 70 goals in 359 chances, 19.5%, good for the eighth-overall spot in the AHL. Hensick himself struck for seven goals and added 26 helpers for 33 points when the Rivs had the man advantage.
LINK to article at PJStar.com.