With improved health and the expected addition of a prospect on the blue line this week, the Checkers released veteran defenseman Jordan Henry from his professional tryout contract on Monday.
Henry, 29, played five games for the Checkers since joining from their ECHL affiliate, the Florida Everblades, on March 21. During that time, he went scoreless with four penalty minutes and an even plus/minus rating.
Now with 443 professional games under his belt, Henry was easily the most experienced Checkers defenseman during his stay with the club – an honor that now lies with Beau Schmitz (138 games).
Since Henry joined the team, the Checkers have welcomed Keegan Lowe back from injury and have seen the parent Carolina Hurricanes sign Brett Pesce, their 2013 third-round draft choice, to an entry-level deal. According to the Hurricanes’ official release, Pesce is expected to report to Charlotte this week and make his professional debut with the Checkers before the end of the season.
As they prepare to host the Oklahoma City Barons this Thursday and Friday, the Checkers should still have seven available defensemen, even after the release of Henry. Plymouth Whalers defenseman Josh Wesley, Carolina's fourth-round pick in 2014, is also practicing with the team.
