Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Jody Shelley gets 3 minutes: A sign of the end?

Just over a year ago, I wrote a post about how Shelley's days were numbered. The topic has come up more than once, and I think the numbers are finally starting to reflect this truth. A quick check at NHL.com confirms that Shelley has taken the ice just once yet this season for a total of just two minutes, fifty seconds.

Shelley is still on the Jackets' roster, but is it merely a formality? His spot as a healthy scratch is becoming routine. How much longer will he remain in Columbus? At some point, his spot on the bench would be better suited for a prospect.

Shelley first seemed doomed when Tollefsen has solidified his place on the Jackets squad, but matter have only gotten worse this season with youngster Jared Boll. Boll is a scrappy winger who can score in addition to throw punches. Shelley's space on the roster is collapsing around him. How much longer will it last?

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