Shanny

Nearly 7 months after becoming a free agent, former Red Wing Brendan Shanahan is bringing his career full circle. According to TSN the New Jersey Devils have officially signed Shanny to a 1-year $800,000 pro-rated contract. Earlier in the week Shanahan agreed on principle to join the Devils.

Shanahan was drafted by the Devils in 1987, where he played 4 years. In that time he played 281 games, posting a record of 88-126-214.

This is an interesting signing. Shanny was very explicit in his desire to stay near New York City and preferably in the Tri-State area. He'd reportedly received offers from Western conference teams which he'd turned down. He can be of use in New Jersey, but he'd be a much more valuable asset elsewhere. Pittsburgh is dying for a winger for Crosby, and Shanahan would have been a great fit. Not perfect, but great. He's a 600-goal scorer, 23 of them last year with the New York Rangers. He's clearly not the presence he once was, but he can still score, control the power play, and even fight. Pittsburgh needs a veteran leader in their dressing room, and that's really where Shanahan would be the perfect piece. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh is too far away from his family.

I think Shanny is mostly coming back in order to retire, with perhaps one more full season. He's got 650 career goals and 3 Stanley Cups. I think it's great that he's not just going to fade into oblivion, but at least go out the way a player of his stature should.

TSN report