Report: Rangers very close to bringing back Shelley

              According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, and various other sources, the New York Rangers may be closing in on a deal that would keep tough guy Jody Shelley in New York. Earlier today, reports came out that the Rangers offered a 2yr deal worth $825,000 to Jody Shelley. Recent reports from various websites state that the Rangers are close to resigning Shelley.

            In 21 games with the Rangers last season, Shelley totaled up 2 goals, 4 assists, and 37 penalty minutes. His teammates often raved about his leadership in the locker room. The Rangers had a record of 10-7-3 with Shelley in the line-up. It might be a long shot, but if the Rangers do in fact resign him, why not make him captain? He has some qualities of a good leader.

1.     He is a leader in the locker room

2.     He stands up for his teammates

3.     He’s a veteran

I think those are pretty good qualities to have, and they should definitely be enough to give him some sort of captaincy with the Rangers (if he is to resign with them).

       Personally I really hope he accepts the offer. I wasn’t happy when the Rangers traded their 5^th round pick for him at first, but after a few games I really started to like his play. Don’t expect anything huge from the Rangers during Free Agency. But do expect to see Sather go after a leader if he fails to resign Shelley.