San Jose Tough Guy Dealt to Rangers

Video Highlights from Last Game

Yesterday, the San Jose Sharks traded forward Jody Shelley to the New York Rangers for a conditional 6th Round Pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. I trust General Manager Doug Wilson and the moves that he makes, but I'm guessing that this deal was more about subtraction than clearing room for potential addition.

Looking at Shelley, one can see his importance to the team...simply as a team player, a willing tough guy, and a solid banger. However, the forward was going to be an Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of this year and his minutes have dropped quite a bit...roughly around six minutes per game or so. Why? Well, the Sharks have a lot of depth and a number of call-ups from Worcester have gobbled up minutes this year. Also, Jody wasn't the only fighter on the team which meant fights from other players (such as Clowe, Staubitz, and McLaren) which, in turn, equalled less time for Shelley to be out policing the ice. As for the playoffs, it would have been highly unlikely that Number 45 would even get a chance to suit up...let alone play.

In addition to his limited ice time, Shelley was taking up a roster spot and as we've seen all year, the Sharks are looking to give their young guns from Worcester more ice time. Moreover, Jody's $725k was probably putting too much pressure on the cap after the addition of Niclas Wallin, thereby making it difficult to bring up some of the higher paid rookies down on the farm. Consequently, moving Shelley made a lot of sense if San Jose is to bring up some rookies for the playoff run.

At any rate, Shelley was a good Shark and I appreciate what he brought to San Jose. It's funny about the timimg, but I'd say that he had his best games all year on this recent road trip...and maybe that's what caught New York's eye. The Rangers were looking for a younger tough guy now that they've demoted Donald Brashear to the minors. And, if Jody re-signs with New York after this season, our sixth rounder becomes a fifth rounder...so there's a chance Shelley can help the Sharks again...without even being on the team.

I know that hockey is a business and this moves makes a lot of sense, but I've got to feel for Jody a bit. While Wallin went from bad to very good...Shelley will be going from very good to mediocre (New York is currently two points out of a playoff spot). That's gotta suck.

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