According to TSN reports, the San Jose Sharks have traded veteran tough guy Jody Shelley to the New York Rangers in exchange for a sixth round draft choice. The pick could become a fifth rounder if the Rangers resign Shelley, who will be a unrestricted free agent after the season.
What does this mean for team teal? Well, with Shelley's 725K contract coming off the books, a bit of extra cap room will be an added bonus. More importantly, this shows a willingness on the part of GM Doug Wilson to get younger.
At 34-years-old, Shelley wasn't able to keep up with faster and leaner opponents, and his limited ice time would force other lines to pickup the slack.
But with him out of the picture, 22-year-old rookie Frazer McLaren can get back into the lineup and prepare for the stretch run.
The 6'4" 225 pound rookie has contributed a goal and five assists in 23 games with a plus/minus rating of plus-six. In comparison, the 6'3" 225 pound Shelley had no goals and three assists in 36 games with a plus/minus rating of plus-one.
Unlike Shelley, McLaren can play a more consistent role and allows Sharks' head coach Todd McLellan to roll ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Andy Bensch
Jody Shelley: San Jose Makes Trade As Fourth Line Begins to Take Shape
February 12th, 2010 by Andy Bensch Leave a reply »
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