Rush sign veteran free agent Shattler

The Saskatchewan Rush are hoping a former NLL MVP can bolster their offense in 2018.

Veteran forward/transition man Jeff Shattler joins the team as a free agent after eleven seasons with the rival Calgary Roughnecks.

“Versatility is the main reason why we wanted Jeff so much,” said head coach/GM Derek Keenan in a press release. “He plays on the faceoff team, power play, any special team, and he’s great about running back in transition on defence which on our left side is important.”

Did you see this incredible goal from @NLLRoughnecks‘ Jeff Shattler last night! #NLL pic.twitter.com/H7ab5BFdIi

— NLL (@NLL) April 9, 2017

Shattler had 20 goals and 71 points in 18 games last season. In 2011 he won the leagues MVP award and top transition player after scoring 29 goals and 75 points.

Since entering the league with Buffalo in 2006, Shattler has scored 268 goals and 685 points in 184 games.

“When it became clear that Jeff would be available, we had to make a call,” Keenan said.

The move comes after the Rush sent star forward Adam Jones to Toronto and transition player John LaFontaine to New England with goalie Aaron Bold. In return, the team acquired first round picks in 2018 and 2019 along with former NLL goaltender of the year Evan Kirk.

“Getting Jeff as a strong secondary scorer takes some pressure off our younger guys and some pressure off Mark (Matthews).”