Flyers get enforcer F-Shelley for three years

In a move that can not be logically explained with Philadelphia’s current roster situation, the Flyers have signed former San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers enforcer Jody Shelley, to a three-year contract worth $3.3 million.

“We feel we have a guy who can play a role for our team that we haven’t had in quite some time, play a third or fourth line role, he’s a bigger body,” general manager Paul Holmgren told the media. “I’m talking about Jody Shelley – so we’re very happy with what we did today.”

Shelley, 34, a 6’3, 225 lbs. winger with a salary cap hit of $1.1 million, proved his worth as an everyday player at the end of last season with the Rangers, despite scoring just nine points in 57 games.  Known primarily as an enforcer, Shelley is a well-liked big body, who hits, fights and chip in the scarce goal.  As far as heavyweights in the league go, Shelley can actually hold his own 5-on-5 although only as a fourth liner.

With Ville Leino entering the Flyers forward ranks full time next season and Arron Asham gone and expected to fetch decent money on the open market, the Flyers simply do not have any roster spots open for one-dimensional Shelley.  Restricted free agents Dan Carcillo and Darroll Powe have yet to be resigned, but Shelley would not be able to replace either of their versatility.

But regardless of fit with the Flyers, with Toronto’s Colton Orr chasing around skill players and the Rangers getting behemoth Derek Boogaard, consider Shelley the protection.