This ND signing kind of makes some sense from a business perspective. I read on here somewhere, someone saying he will have 15 fights this season (Thats about 14 more than Scott Laughton). Ok, that will be a significant uptick in fights, assuming ZM doesn't drop the gloves more. The Flyers are known, and regarded for fighting. Fans love it. Given that it is almost a certainty that there will be alot of empty seats, having more players fighting may draw more fans to the arena. It has been argued on here the merits of butts in the seats, so I won't rehash any of that. However, if rough and tumble players can draw fan enthusiasm, that isnt a bad thing from a business perspective. In the mean time, Tortorella can focus on building the team with the core players, and youngsters coming up. He can get his system in place, without really being concerned about ND, his contract, or overall value to the club long term. And as OC stated, the guy can be waived as soon as his usefulness is gone. I also think there is some value in having a player like this to watch the back of others. Hell, if Riley Cote can become well liked in Philly, so can ND. After all Cote only won one fight in his entire career (2 if you count the same guy twice in the same game), and prolly set an NHL record for most damage to opposing players fist by headbutting them with his face.
None of what I am typing suggests the guy is a good player, or that I like the deal. I don't. It was stupid, and I hate Fletcher, he's a dick. But I guess the aggressive "retool" is dead, and even though it isn't being said, it looks like a rebuild to me, with the exception they have no money to bring in any young talent. I think they are just trying to tred water now, give the fans something to watch, while waiting to jettison the dead weight next season