Finishing up his 10th pro season having only been signed to minor league contracts, undrafted defenseman Jared Nightingale(18) filled in the role of captain in his second year with Toledo Walleye quite nicely.
That is, until he was loaned to Chicago Wolves for two weeks, returned and quickly recalled for a couple months before joining them for the Kelly Cup Playoffs.
It would be little surprise to see the 34-year old score an invite a farm team’s camp in the forthcoming year and earn a deal.
The 6’3″ 205 lbs. blue liner plays a consistently punishing style that shows little signs of slowing down.
Known to drop the mitts on many occasions, his fighting majors were only down slightly to 11 playing in the two leagues.
He also could own the record for most AHL clubs a single player has put on a uniform for at 10.
Jared Nightingale(27) Connecticut Whale
One of the first minor league signings before the 2010 season had even ended, Connecticut Whale re-upped with veteran defenseman Jared Nightingale(27). It will be his 4th season with the team. He doesn’t put up big numbers, except maybe pim’s but he’s pretty sturdy and dependable out there at the AHL level.
Jared Nightingale(27) Connecticut Whale
Connecticut Whale exercised their contract option for 5th year defenseman Jared Nightingale(27) keeping him with the team through the 2011/2012 AHL season.
He has spent most of his playing career with the organization either with the Whale/Wolf Pack or ECHL Charlotte Checkers.
Jared Nightingale(27) vs. Nathan McIver(8)
One fight to warm up the freezing hockey fans in the stands: Whale defenseman Jared Nightingale(27) vs. P-Bruins‘ defenseman Nathan McIver(8). Nightingale also got a goal, one assist away from the Gordie Howe hat trick.
Jared Nightingale(27) Connecticut Whale
Jared Nightingale(27) wears the CT Whale road jersey for the first time in team history at the DCU for a midweek game vs. Worcester Sharks.
The “35 H” upper arm patch signifies the years since the first Hartford Whalers‘ game January 11, 1975. The Whale‘s team colors are green and blue flashback.