One of the stable of homegrown Michigan-born and trained players, Glendening has created a niche heavy on diligence and detail.
Never projected to be a big scorer, the Detroit Red Wings value his speed, determination, penalty-killing, appetite for contact and a keen ability inside the face-off circle.
One of the stable of homegrown Michigan-born and trained players, Glendening has created a niche heavy on diligence and detail.
Never projected to be a big scorer, the Detroit Red Wings value his speed, determination, penalty-killing, appetite for contact and a keen ability inside the face-off circle.
Born in Grand Rapids, Glendening played four seasons at the University of Michigan. By his sophomore season, his leadership skills were instrumental in being named an alternate captain. The following season, he was elevated to co-captain.
During Glendening's junior season, Michigan reached the Frozen Four, but lost to Minnesota Duluth 3-2 in overtime in the final.
Undrafted after leaving Michigan, Glendening signed a one-year contract with Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League, Detroit's top minor-league affiliate, for the 2012-13 season.
Splitting time between Toledo of the East Coast Hockey League and Grand Rapids in his first pro season, Glendening settled in at Grand Rapids when it won its first Calder Cup title. In 24 playoff games, he scored six goals, 16 points and won key face-offs.
Impressed with Glendening's performance, the Red Wings signed him to a one-year contract July 5, 2013. After beginning 2013-14 with Grand Rapids, the center played 56 games for Detroit and scored his first NHL goal, his only goal of the season, against the Montreal Canadiens on April 5, 2014.
Glendening proved dependable and durable the next two seasons, scoring 18 points in 82 games in 2014-15, and 21 points in 81 games in 2015-16 while averaging nearly 15 minutes of ice time a game. He signed a four-year contract with the Red Wings on July 14, 2016 and became the first undrafted player since the NHL went to a seven-round draft in 2005 to skate in 500 games for Detroit on March 10, 2020.
NOTES & TRANSACTIONS
- Signed as a free agent by Detroit, July 5, 2013.
- Signed as a free agent by Dallas, July 28, 2021.