The Chicago Blackhawks have to be pleased with the way rookie defenseman Adam Clendening has performed offensively so far in Rockford. The second-round pick of the Blackhawks in 2011, the former Boston University skater has been everything scouts predicted in terms of his ability to chip into the scoring column.
That said, Clendening is far from being an NHL-ready blue-liner.
Paired with Nick Leddy on the IceHogs' top defensive duo, it is Clendening and not Leddy who is leading the rear guard in scoring. With four goals and 16 helpers in 24 games this season, Clendening not only leads Rockford defensemen with 20 points, he's fifth in the AHL among defensive scorers.
In fact, Clendening is sixth overall in rookie scoring and trails only Justin Schultz of Oklahoma City for top rookie scoring honors on the blue line. He has points in ten of his last 13 games dating back to November 18.
On that night, he posted his first multi-point effort with a goal and an assist at the Xcel Energy Center in a loss to Houston. Clendening has had five other two-point nights since then and nearly doubled (two goals, nine assists) Leddy's offensive ou ...
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Article written by Jon Fromi
Chicago Blackhawks: Adam Clendening Still Needs Work on the Blueline
December 18th, 2012 by Jon Fromi Leave a reply »
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