With a large amount of the New York Rangers Stanley Cup team opting to become free agents, the Rangers knew they were going to have to reload their roster. On the first day of free agency, the Rangers signed two forwards, four defensemen and a goalie to contracts.
The biggest signing for the team was defenseman Dan Boyle, who was signed to a two-year contract worth $9 million, according to the NHL. Boyle, who spent last season with the San Jose Sharks, was traded to the New York Islanders on June 5, but refused to sign an extension with the team.
The Rangers also signed forwards Tanner Glass and Chris Mueller, defensemen Michael Kostka, Matt Hunwick and Steven Kampfer, and goalie Cedrick Desjardins.
According to NorthJersey.com, assistant general manager Jeff Gorton told reporters that Boyle will be an important member of the Rangers.
“Dan is obviously an experienced player, he’s been an elite player for a long time,” Gorton said. He’s going to bring experience. He’ll help on the power play. He logged important minutes for a pretty good team.”
Glass was a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins last season and had 13 points in 67 games.
Mueller, played in nine regular season games along with four post-season games with the Dallas Stars last season. He was a member of the Calder Cup winning minor league team of the Stars for most of the season.
Kostka, who signed a one-year contract, scored four goals and had 11 total points in 28 games for the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning last year.
Hunwick spent last season with the Colorado Avalanche minor league affiliate Lake Erie. In his seven-year career, he has scored 16 goals and has 67 total points.
Kampfer played for the Iowa Wild last year and had 26 points for the team. He has appeared in 61 NHL games for the Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild.
Dejardins, was signed to proved depth at goalie in the Rangers organization, has appeared in six career NHL games and is 2-4-0.