J’ded Persective

The Flyers added some depth to the defensive corps today, signing defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick to a one-year deal. The Flyers are Fitzpatrick’s sixth team in his twelve-year career.

Fitzpatrick is a stay at home defenseman, whose stats aren’t going to blow you away. Last season in 58 games, Fitzpatrick had one goal and six assists, with a plus/minus of 12.

He’s better known for VoteForRory.com, a website established by a Canucks fan with the purpose of getting Fitzpatrick on the All-Star team although he wasn’t on the ballot. Fitzpatrick received an impressive 486,842 write-in votes (he finished third behind Scott Niedermayer and Nicholas Lidstrom. Joe Thornton was the only non-defenseman who received more votes), but did not make the team.

Obviously this signing isn’t a real impact move. Although Fitzpatrick will contribute some, the defensive pairings are already set. He will serve as a seventh defenseman or sub when one is scratched. I’d expect Nate Guenin to be sent to the Phantoms, where he will get regular playing time.