Rangers GM Glen Sather turned more into less today, passing on retaining universally respected enforcer Jody Shelley in order to heap a four-year contract at $1.65 million per on Wild puncher Derek Boogaard.
Shelley, who became an important part of the Rangers’ fabric and was repeatedly acknowledged as such by head coach John Tortorella after his Feb. 12 acquisition from San Jose, was seeking a two-year deal worth approximately $1.3 million per.
When the Rangers offered one year at $825,000, Shelley turned his attention to Philadelphia, where he signed a three-year, $3 million deal.
The Rangers then targeted 6-8, 257-pound, 28-year-old Boogaard, who recorded four points (0-4) with 105 PIM in 57 games, getting an average ice time of 6:09. Boogaard, who engaged in nine fights last year, went minus-12 for Minnesota.
Boogaard has played a career 255 NHL games with a total of 14 points (2-12), 544 PIM and 45 fights. Unlike Shelley, he has no known locker room presence.
The Rangers earlier signed goaltender Martin Biron to serve as Henrik Lundqvist’s backup.