Underdog
Luke Glendening has always been an underdog.
He went undrafted during his eligibility years. After high school, he attended college at the University of Michigan and tried out for the hockey team as a walk on. He earned a roster spot for the illustrious program.
After four years of playing college hockey from 2008-12, Glendening signed an AHL contract with Providence but found himself playing with Toledo of the ECHL. After two years in the minor leagues Glendening made his NHL debut at the age of 24 in October of 2013. He never looked back.
What followed was a 12-year NHL career with stops in Detroit (2013-21), Dallas (2021-23) and Tampa Bay (2023-25). After 864 games, 83 goals and 166 points, Glendening is in the twilight of his career.
The 36-year-old signed a PTO (player tryout) contract with the Devils and attended training camp with the hopes of extending his career. He did just that by signing a one-year contract for $775,000 on Tuesday.
“I’m just so excited to be a part of this group,” he said Wednesday afternoon. “I’m a very small piece but it’s a great group to be a part of. They made it feel like home since the first day. I’m very humbled and very honored to be a part of it.”
Fighting for a roster spot is nothing new for Glendening, who has had to show he belongs his entire hockey career.
“It brought me back to my roots, having to prove it every day,” he said. “I walked on in college. I signed an American League deal out of college and played in the East Coast League. It’s been my story all the way around. It’s kind of fitting this is the way this year happened with the way my career has gone.”
That doesn’t mean the month hasn’t been challenging. Glendeing has been away from his family while fighting for his contract. And until the contract is officially signed, there is a lot of uncertainty.
“It’s a flood of emotions after a month of being here. It’s been a stressful month,” he admitted. “My wife and two little girls back home have been a great support system but also wondering what’s been going on.”
Now that he is in New Jersey to stay, Glending can exhale. Momentarily. After all, the real work begins now.
“Every day in this league is a blessing,” Glendening said. “It’s an honor to be here. You really realize that when it’s coming down to the wire and you’re not sure you’re going to have a job anymore.”
