Are Intangibles in Play with Flyers Acquisitions Jody Shelley and Matt Walker?

The signing of 34-year old enforcer Jody Shelley by the Philadelphia Flyers on the first day of free agency appeared to be a mis-step for many fans, as the team currently has enough tough guys in the line-up and his offensive abilities are questionable.  The acquisition of 30-year old defenseman Matt Walker in the trade for Simon Gagne also appeared confusing, as the team already has seven defensemen on the roster and is in need of shedding salary.  Both players, however, are well known for more than what their stat sheets suggest.

The teams that general manager Paul Holmgren has assembled in the past two years have been, on paper, arguably the best line-ups in the NHL.  However, the team had rollercoaster seasons in both years with inconsistent play and dedication from the players.  Coach John Stevens was fired this past year as a result, but it didn’t light the fire necessary to jump-start the team in the way that fans and management had hoped.  Rumors of locker room divides between captain Mike Richards and veteran defenseman Chris Pronger did not help the issue.

Both Shelley and Walker are older players known for being great locker room players with heart and character (think Ian Laperriere).  According to Larry Brooks of the NY Post, after Shelley was traded to the New York Rangers from the San Jose Sharks, Shelley “was so well regarded by his teammates in San Jose that they were prepared to award him a Stanley Cup ring had the Sharks won… In two months of wearing the Blueshirt, Shelley established himself as important fabric of team. ” Walker, or “Big Country” as he is sometimes referred to, is infamous for breaking his finger off a slapshot while playing with the Chicago Blackhawks and returning to the game after missing a few shifts. Well, that and sucker punching Ed Jovanovski.

Neither player is guaranteed to be hitting the ice on opening night, based on their positions on the depth chart, but Holmgren may be counting on their heart and character to inspire a locker room that has been a question mark for far too long.