SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -The San Jose Sharks bulked up for the stretch run Tuesday night, acquiring enforcer Jody Shelley from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a sixth-round draft pick in 2009.
Shelley, a 6-foot-4 left wing who’s recognized as one of the NHL’s toughest fighters, has no points and 44 penalty minutes in 31 games with the Blue Jackets this season. He racked up 1,025 penalty minutes while spending all of his 5 1/2 pro seasons with the Jackets, but hadn’t suited up for Columbus since Jan. 12.
“He’s adding some sandpaper to our lineup,” Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said. “We’ve looked at that for a while this year with Ryane Clowe out. Jody, we know a lot about him. He makes players on other teams uncomfortable, and he adds an element of comfort to your own players.”
Shelley will join the Sharks on Wednesday before their game against the Calgary Flames.
The Sharks have been without two of their most physical players – forward Clowe and defenseman Brad Norton – for most of the season because of injuries, and Wilson cited the overall toughness of Western Conference rivals Detroit and Anaheim as a prime reason to make the deal.
Wilson pursued Shelley in a trade earlier this season, but couldn’t land him. The Sharks have been without a designated enforcer since trading Scott Parker to Colorado last February.
“I think we’ve missed it since Scotty Parker left,” Wilson said. “You’ve got to win in many different ways, and Jody brings something to the table that we need.”
Shelley led the NHL with 249 penalty minutes during the 2002-03 season, and he led Columbus in penalty minutes during four of the previous five campaigns. He’s a favorite of hockey fight aficionados, with several of his best bouts – including a memorable scrap with Parker – available on YouTube.
Shelley’s departure was announced after Columbus’ 4-2 loss to Phoenix. He is the franchise’s career leader in penalty minutes and a big fan favorite for his bruising play.
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