by Rick Stephens, AllHabs.net

BROSSARD, QC.– Jarred Tinordi is a beast. He is big, and nasty. Tinordi uses his size to intimidate and overpower the opposition — and he is exactly the kind of defenseman that the Canadiens are missing from their lineup.

Habs fans shouldn’t hold their breath as Tinordi is still several steps away from a regular role with the big club. The Canadiens 2010 first round draft choice made a large step in his development by moving from NCAA Division I hockey to the Canadian Major Juniors in the OHL. The transition, early on, wasn’t a smooth one.

After an initial adjustment period, Tinordi become a reliable stay-at-home defenseman for the London Knights, was effective on the boards and in clearing traffic from the front of his goal. His aggressiveness came at a price — his 140 minutes in penalties were seventh most in the league. However he was relied upon to be an effective penalty-killer and a shut-down defenseman.

The Canadiens brass must be pleased with the the minutes logged by Tinordi at the junior-level and in the way his season ended. Expect Tinordi to be guided to use his heavy shot more so that he can chip-in to the offense occasionally. But mostly he will be counted on to play a simple game, make an outlet pass and further refine his defensive role.

During drills at Brossard this week, often Tinordi has been paired with Steve Spinell on the bueline. Spinell who plays for the Miami University Red Hawks is attending camp on a try-out basis. Similarly Spinell was at the Washington Capitals development camp in July 2010.

The product of Lake Forest, Illinois was ranked 189th among North-American skaters by central scouting in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft but went undrafted. Spinell was been recognized with a leadership an dedication award from his days in the USHL. His favorite NHL players are Chris Pronger, Dion Phaneuf and Brooks Orpik.

Spinell can be described as a hard-working defenseman with a defense-first, physical style. At camp he is mobile, has looked poised an makes a good first pass. He plays with an edge and has been conspicuous among the try-outs.

It was Tinordi and Spinell’s Team White that defeated the Reds in a 3-on-3 cross-ice scrimmage at the end of Monday’s session. Also on the winning squad were Danny Kristo, Alexander Avtsin and Michael Bournival.

The Canadiens Development Camp – Session A resumes on Tuesday morning at the Bell Sports Complex.

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