NYR TODAY TUESDAY 7/31: Alumni Birthdays

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/31: 

Paul Andrea RW (1965-1966) Bryan Hextall SR RW (1937-44,1945-48) Lloyd Mohns D (1943-1944) Brian Skrudland C (1997-1998) Dave Maloney D (1974-1985)

OFFICIAL RELEASE: Rangers Sign Hayes, Avoid Arbitration

Rangers Agree to Terms With Kevin Hayes
by New York Rangers @NYRangers / NYRangers.com

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Kevin Hayes on a one-year contract.

Hayes, 26, skated in 76 games with the Rangers this past season, registering 25 goals and 19 assists for 44 points, along with a plus-one rating and 18 penalty minutes. He established career-highs in several categories in 2017-18, including goals, even strength goals (17), power play goals (six), shorthanded goals (two), power play points (eight), shots on goal (172), average ice time (17:21), faceoff wins (562), faceoffs taken (1,112), and faceoff win percentage (50.5%), and tied his career-high in game-winning goals (four). Hayes also established a career-high in average shorthanded ice time (2:15) this past season, and he led Rangers forwards in average shorthanded ice time and total shorthanded ice time (170:22) during the season. He tied for fourth in the NHL - and led the Rangers - in times scoring the first goal of the game in 2017-18 (nine).

The 6-5, 217-pounder led the Rangers in shorthanded goals, tied for the team lead in game-winning goals and shorthanded points (two), ranked second in even strength goals, even strength points (34), takeaways (52), faceoff wins, and faceoffs taken, tied for second in goals, and ranked third in points in 2017-18. Hayes led the Rangers in goals (15) and tied for the team lead in points (25) on the road during the past season. In addition, he registered 26 points (15 goals, 11 assists) in 33 games after returning to the Rangers' lineup on January 25, 2018 following an injury, and he led the Blueshirts in goals and points from the time he returned until the end of the season. Hayes also accomplished several feats during the 2017-18 season, as he tallied at least 20 goals in a season for the first time in his career, skated in his 300th career NHL game on March 17, 2018 at St. Louis, and registered his 100th career NHL assist on March 24, 2018 vs. Buffalo.

Hayes has skated in 310 career NHL games over four seasons (2014-15 - 2017-18), all with the Rangers, registering 73 goals and 101 assists for 174 points, along with a plus-30 rating and 88 penalty minutes. He has recorded at least 40 points in three of his four NHL seasons, and he has also tallied at least 17 goals in three of his four seasons in the league. Through Hayes' first four NHL seasons, 140 of 174 points have either been a goal or the primary assist on a goal (80.5% of his points have been primary points), and 67 of his 101 career NHL assists have been primary assists. He led the NHL in shorthanded assists (six) and tied for the NHL lead in shorthanded points (seven) during the 2016-17 season, and he became the first Ranger to tally at least six shorthanded assists in one season since Mark Messier in 1996-97. Since Hayes joined the Rangers at the start of the 2014-15 season, he ranks third on the team in goals and points, and ranks fourth on the team in assists.

The Dorchester, Massachusetts native was signed by the Rangers as a free agent on August 20, 2014. He was originally selected by Chicago in the first round, 24th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

NYR TODAY MONDAY &/30: Alumni Birthday, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthday 7/30:

Markus Naslund LW (2008-2009)

Today in NYR History 7/30:

1998: Defenseman Kevin Lowe announces his retirement after 19 years as a player.
The Rangers acquired Lowe from the Edmonton Oilers for Roman Oksiuta and the 1993 NHL Entry Draft 3rd round pick (#60-Alexander Kerch)in 1992. Lowe played for New York from 1992 until 1996 when he became an unrestricted free agent in '96 returning to Edmonton for 2 more seasons.
Along with six other ex-Oilers, (Glenn Anderson, Jeff Beukeboom, Adam Graves, Craig MacTavish, Mark Messier, and Esa Tikkanen) Lowe was a member of the Rangers Stanley Cup-winning team in 1994.
In 217 games with the Rangers Lowe tallied 10 goals and 38 assists for 48 points and was a plus 20.

2005: The Rangers select Marc Staal in the first round (12th overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
Earlier in the day the Rangers acquired the the 1st round pick to draft Staal from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for their 2005 1st round pick (#16-Alex Bourret) and the 2005 their 2nd round pick (#41-Ondrej Pavelec)

NYR TODAY SUNDAY 7/29: Rangers & Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

New York Rangers Birthday 7/29:

Neal Pionk 
Born: July 29, 1995 (Age: 23) Hermantown, Minnesota
Pionk was signed by the New York Rangers as an undrafted college free agent on May 1, 2017 after his sophomore season at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Uniforn Number 44, Position: Defense 2017-Present, Shoots: Right, Ht:6-0 Wt:190lb

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/29:

Pete Conacher LW (1954-1956) Eric Reitz D (2008-2009)

Today in NYR History July 29

1986: The Rangers acquire Kelly Kisio, Lane Lambert, Jim Leavins, and a fifth round pick in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for Glen Hanlon, a third round pick in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, and a third round pick in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft.

2005: The New York Rangers announce the signing of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to an entry-level contract, five years after they select him in the seventh round (No. 205) of the 2000 NHL Draft. 

To the surprise of many, Lundqvist makes the Rangers at training camp a few weeks later and wins the starting job early in the 2005-06 season. He goes on to win 30 or more games in each of his first 11 full seasons in the NHL. Lundqvist becomes the first goaltender to win 400 games with the Rangers when New York defeats the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 on Feb. 11, 2017.

OFFICIAL RELEASE: Skjei agrees to six-year contract with Rangers

Rangers Agree to Terms With Brady Skjei
by New York Rangers @NYRangers / New York Rangers

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has agreed to terms with restricted free agent defenseman Brady Skjei on a six-year contract.

Skjei, 24, skated in 82 games with the Rangers this past season, registering four goals and 21 assists for 25 points, along with 39 penalty minutes. He was the only Ranger who skated in all 82 games in 2017-18. Skjei was one of eight NHL players who registered at least 150 shots on goal, was credited with 125 or more hits, and recorded at least 115 blocked shots during the past season. He ranked second on the Rangers in hits (127) and blocked shots (119), ranked third in average ice time (21:01), ranked fifth in shots on goal (153), and tied for sixth in assists (21) in 2017-18. In addition, he led Rangers defensemen in even strength points (18), shots on goal, and hits, and ranked second among team defensemen in goals, assists, and points during the past season. Skjei also led the Rangers in average ice time over a 28-game span from February 9, 2018 until the end of the season (22:59).

The 6-3, 211-pounder has skated in 169 career NHL games over parts of three seasons (2015-16 - 2017-18), all with the Rangers, registering nine goals and 55 assists for 64 points, along with 85 penalty minutes. Over the last two seasons (2016-17 and 2017-18), Skjei ranks ninth among NHL defensemen 24 years old or younger in assists and is tied for 10th among NHL defensemen 24 years old or younger in points. Skjei was named to the NHL's All-Rookie Team in 2016-17, becoming the third defenseman in franchise history to accomplish the feat (along with Brian Leetch and Michael Del Zotto). Skjei registered 39 points (five goals, 34 assists) and a plus-11 rating during the 2016-17 season, and he tied for fourth among NHL defensemen in even strength assists (27); the only other NHL defensemen who recorded at least 27 even strength assists in 2016-17 were Duncan Keith, Erik Karlsson, Brent Burns, and Victor Hedman.

Skjei has skated in 17 Stanley Cup Playoff games in his career, registering four goals and three assists for seven points, along with a plus-seven rating and 12 penalty minutes. During the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Skjei registered five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-six rating in 12 games, and he tied the Rangers record for goals by a rookie defenseman in one playoff year (Reijo Ruotsalainen - 1982). In addition, Skjei became the first Rangers defenseman to either lead the team or tie for the team lead in goals in one playoff year since Leetch in 1995.

The Lakeville, Minnesota native was selected by the Rangers in the first round, 28th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

NYR TODAY SATURDAY 7/28: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/28:

Giles Gratton G (1976-1977) Lori Korpikowski LW (2007-2009) Jim Leavins D (1986-1987) Dale Lewis LW (1975-1976)

Today in NYR History 7/28:

1995: Rangers acquire Doug Lidster in exchange for Jay Wells from the St Louis Blues

2011: Rangers sign J.T. Miller to first NHL contract

NYR TODAY FRIDAY 7/27: Alumni Birthdays

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/27:

George Allen LW (1938-1939) Jack Bownass D (1958-60,1961-62) Andre "Moose" Dupont D (1970-1971) Jack Mann C (1943-1945)

NYR TODAY THURSDAY 7/26: Alumni Birthdays

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/26:

Lorne Anderson G (1951-1952) Bobby Rousseau RW (1971-1975)

NYR TODAY WEDNESDAY 7/25: Alumni Birthdays

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/25

Tony Granato RW (1988-1990) Ed Harrison LW (1950-1951) Aldo Palazzari RW (1943-1944)

NYR TODAY TUESDAY 7/24: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/24:

Rick Bennett LW (1989-1992) Red Garrett D (1942-1943)

Today in NYR History 7/24:

1994: Keenan Issue Settled, Rangers Acquire Petr Nedved
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman settles the Mike Keenan issue after a nine-day-long tug-of-war over Mike Keenan ended with a settlement that left no party pleased or unpunished.

The multipart decision by National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman lets Keenan go to the Blues as coach and general manager. In compensation for Bettman leaving with four years left on his contract, Bettman approved the Blues' trade of Petr Nedved to the Rangers for Esa Tikkanen and Doug Lidster.

Bettman also ordered that the Rangers pay Keenan a $608,000 bonus and that Keenan in turn repay the team $400,000 of it. He also suspended Keenan from being coach and general manager of the Blues for 60 days, and fined him $100,000 for "conduct detrimental to the league." He can start his dual jobs in St. Louis on September 24, 1994.

In essence, Bettman found the Blues and Detroit Red Wings guilty of tampering with the rights to Keenan while he was still under contract to the Rangers, and fined the Blues $250,000 and the Red Wings $25,000.

The fines for Keenan and the Blues are the maximum allowed under league by-laws.

The Rangers acquire Petr Nedved from the St. Louis Blues.
As part of the resolution to the Mike Keenan situation, Nedved comes to New York in exchange for Esa Tikkanen, Doug Lidster, and Mike Keenan’s coaching rights.

NYR TODAY MONDAY 7/23: Today in Rangers History

Today in NYR History July 23, 2012

The Rangers acquire Rick Nash from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Nash comes to the Rangers in exchange for Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon, and a first round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Nash helps the Rangers advance to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014 and scores an NHL career-high 42 goals in 2014-15. Columbus had selected Nash with the first pick in the 2002 NHL Draft.

NYR TODAY SUNDAY 7/22: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/22

Tony Demers RW (1943-1944) Dimitri Kalinin D (2008-2009) Steven King RW (1992-1993) Sergi Zubov D (1992-1995)

Today in NYR History 7/22:

2016: Rangers Agree to Terms on New Contracts with RFA's Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes

NYR TODAY SATURDAY 7/21: Alumni Birthday, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthday 7/21

Ron Scott G (1984-1987)

Today in NYR History 7/21

1996: Wayne Gretzky Signs with the New York Rangers. 

Gretzky rejects a three-year deal worth $15 million with the St Louis Blues to sign with the New York Rangers as a free agent, rejoining longtime Oilers teammate Mark Messier for a two-year $8 million (plus incentives) contract. Gretzky went on to play his final three NHL seasons as a NY Ranger posting 57 goals, 192 assists for a total of 249 points in 234 games. Gretzky says the chance to play with his old friend and teammate from their Stanley Cup-winning days with the Edmonton Oilers is a big reason he came to New York after finishing the 1995-96 season with the St. Louis Blues. "I guess what probably tipped the scale was the chance to play with Mark and the opportunity to get a chance to play with a team that is really focused on trying to win a championship," he says during his introductory press conference after signing a two-year contract worth $10 million, which is a pay cut. "I'm probably one of the first free agents to ever come to New York that came for a less-money situation. This will be my last stop. I'll make that clear."

Gretzky and Messier spark the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final in 1997 before they are eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers in five games. Messier then leaves to go to the Vancouver Canucks, and Gretzky plays two more seasons with the Rangers before retiring in April 1999.

2016: Former NY Rangers Center Brad Richards announces his retirement after a 15 year NHL Career

Richards signed a nine-year deal worth $60 million on July 2, 2011. In 210 games Richards scored 56 goals and added 95 assists for 151 total points in 3 years with New York. The Rangers used a compliance buyout on him to remove him from their salary cap following the 2014 Stanley Cup.

NYR TODAY FRIDAY JULY 20: Alumni Birthday, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthday 7/20

Matt Gilroy D (2009-2013)

Today in NYR History July 20

1953: Rangers acquire Goaltender Johnny Bower
Johnny Bower, a star with the Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League, is acquired in a trade by the New York Rangers, who send Emile Francis, Neil Strain and cash to Cleveland.

Bower makes his NHL debut a few weeks before his 29th birthday; he would go 29-31-10 appearing in all 70 games for the Rangers in 1953-54. It would be his only full season with the Rangers before 12 with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Bower loses the starting job to Gump Worsley before the 1954-55 season and spends almost all of the next four seasons in the minor leagues before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1958.

NYR TODAY THURSDAY JULY 19: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/19

Benoit Gosselin D (1977-1978) Fedor Tyutin D (2004-2007)

Today In NYR History 7/19

1999: The Rangers signed free agent defenseman Sylvain Lefebvre

NYR TODAY WEDNESDAY JULY 18: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/18

Don Awrey D (1977-1978) John Mahaffy C (1943-1944) Jan Mertzig D (1998-1999)

Today in NYR History 7/18

2016: Rangers acquire Mike Zibanejad for Derick Brassard
New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced that the team acquired forward Mika Zibanejad and a second round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Derick Brassard and a seventh round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: Rangers Agree to Terms With Jimmy Vesey

Rangers Agree to Terms With Jimmy Vesey
by New York Rangers @NYRangers / New York Rangers

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Jimmy Vesey on a two-year contract.

Vesey, 25, skated in 79 games with the Rangers this past season, registering 17 goals and 11 assists for 28 points, along with 20 penalty minutes. He established career-highs in several categories in 2017-18, including goals and points, and he tied his career-high in assists. Vesey tied for the team lead in game-winning goals (four) and game-deciding goals (one), ranked third in even strength goals (16), ranked fifth in goals and takeaways (46), and tied for sixth in hits (83). The Rangers posted a 15-4-3 record in games which he registered a point, including a 10-2-1 record in games which he tallied a goal. Vesey recorded nine points (five goals, four assists) in the final 13 games of the season, including six points (two goals, four assists) in the final eight contests. He registered two goals in a span of 29 seconds on November 8, 2017 vs. Boston, becoming the first Ranger to tally two goals in a span of 29 seconds or fewer since Jaromir Jagr on November 14, 2006. In addition, he tallied his first career NHL hat trick and tied a single-game career-high with three points on March 12, 2018 vs. Carolina.

The 6-3, 206-pounder has skated in 159 career NHL games over two seasons (2016-17 and 2017-18), both with the Rangers, registering 33 goals and 22 assists for 55 points, along with 46 penalty minutes. Over the last two seasons, Vesey is one of three NHL players who registered 30 or more goals while skating in at least 150 games and averaging fewer than 14:00 of ice time per game (along with Micheal Ferland and Ryan Hartman). Ten of Vesey's 33 career NHL goals have been game-winning goals, and he is tied for the team lead in game-winning goals since he joined the Rangers prior to the start of the 2016-17 season. He registered six game-winning goals in 2016-17, becoming the first Ranger to tally six game-winning goals in his rookie season since Mike Ridley in 1985-86. Vesey received the Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award as the top Rangers rookie in Training Camp in 2016. In addition, he skated in 12 games during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, registering one goal and four assists for five points.

Prior to beginning his professional career, Vesey played four seasons of collegiate hockey at Harvard University (2012-13 - 2015-16), registering 80 goals and 64 assists for 144 points, along with a plus-17 rating and 66 penalty minutes in 128 games. He won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in collegiate hockey in 2015-16, and he was also selected as a finalist for the award in 2014-15. In addition, the North Reading, Massachusetts native has represented the United States in international competition twice thus far in his career, winning a gold medal at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship and a bronze medal at the 2015 IIHF World Championship.

Vesey was signed by the Rangers as a free agent on August 19, 2016. He was originally selected by Nashville in the third round, 66th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

Rangers Announce Coaching Staff Additions

OFFICIAL: The New York Rangers have named David Oliver and Greg Brown as Assistant Coaches.

David Oliver and Greg Brown named Assistant Coaches, join Lindy Ruff and Benoit Allaire on David Quinn's coaching staf

Oliver, a former Blueshirt, joins the Rangers after spending the past 11 seasons with the Colorado Avalanche organization.

Brown joins the Rangers after spending the past 14 seasons at Boston College.

In his role as Colorado’s Director of Player Development, Oliver assisted in the progression of several of the Avalanche’s top prospects, including #NYR Kevin Shattenkirk, who was selected by Colorado in the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Oliver served as Lake Erie’s GM when the team hired current #NYR Head Coach David Quinn to be the Monsters’ Head Coach prior to the 2009-10 season, and Oliver also served as an Assistant Coach on Quinn’s staff in Lake Erie during the 2011-12 season.

Oliver played in 14 regular season games and three playoff contests with the Rangers during the 1996-97 season.

During Brown's tenure at the school, Boston College won the NCAA National Championship three times (2007-08, 2009-10, and 2011-12). He coached several current and former Rangers at Boston College, including Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes.

Brown has served as an Assistant Coach with Team USA in several international tournaments. He coached Brady Skjei at the 2014 World Juniors, and Ryan Lindgren at the 2017 and 2018 WJC.

During the 1987-88 season, Brown played with the United States Men’s National Team prior to the 1988 Winter Olympics, and he was teammates with Rangers legends Brian Leetch and Mike Richter at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

NYR TODAY TUESDAY JULY 17: Alumni Birthdays

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/17

Jay Caufield RW (1986-1987) Hank Damore C (1943-1944) Marc Savard C (1997-1999) Jason Strudwick D (2005-2007) Dave Tataryn G (1976-1977)

OFFICIAL RELEASE: RANGERS SIGN FIVE

Rangers Sign Five Players
by New York Rangers @NYRangers / NYRangers.com

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has agreed to terms with restricted free agent defenseman John Gilmour on a one-year contract. In addition, restricted free agents Chris Bigras, Steven Fogarty, Boo Nieves, and Rob O'Gara all accepted their qualifying offers.

Gilmour, 25, skated in 28 NHL games with the Rangers this past season, registering two goals and three assists for five points, along with 14 penalty minutes. He ranked fourth on the Rangers - and led team defensemen - in shots on goal from the time he was recalled from Hartford (AHL) on February 9 until the end of the 2017-18 season (61). Gilmour made his NHL debut on February 9, 2018 vs. Calgary, and he recorded his first career NHL goal/point on February 13, 2018 at Minnesota. He tallied the game-winning goal in overtime on February 28, 2018 at Vancouver, becoming the first Rangers rookie defenseman to tally an overtime goal in franchise history.

The 6-0, 195-pounder skated in 44 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2017-18 prior to being recalled by the Rangers, registering six goals and 20 assists for 26 points, along with 22 penalty minutes. He was tied for seventh among AHL defensemen in assists and points in 2017-18 at the time he was recalled by the Blueshirts, and he also led Wolf Pack defensemen in both categories. Gilmour participated in the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic, and he won the Fastest Skater title during the AHL All-Star Skills Competition on January 28, 2018 with a time of 13.663 seconds, which is the fourth-fastest time in the event's history.

Gilmour has skated in 120 career AHL games over two seasons with Hartford (2016-17 and 2017-18), registering 12 goals and 39 assists for 51 points, along with 40 penalty minutes. Gilmour recorded 25 points (six goals, 19 assists) in his rookie season in the AHL in 2016-17, and he ranked 11th among AHL rookie defensemen in points. Prior to beginning his professional career, Gilmour played four seasons of collegiate hockey at Providence College (2012-13 - 2015-16), and he helped Providence win the National Championship in 2014-15.

The Montreal, Quebec native was signed by the Rangers as a free agent on August 18, 2016. Gilmour was originally selected by Calgary in the seventh round, 198th overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Bigras, 23, skated in 38 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) this season with the San Antonio Rampage and the Hartford Wolf Pack, registering three goals and 16 assists for 19 points, along with 22 penalty minutes. He established an AHL career-high in assists and tied his AHL career-high in points in 2017-18. In addition, Bigras tallied 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in 18 contests after joining the Wolf Pack. He notched seven points (one goal, six assists) over the final six games of the season, and he posted a multi-assist/point game in each of the final two contests on Apr. 13 vs. Binghamton and Apr. 14 at Binghamton.

The 6-1, 190-pounder has skated in 127 career AHL games over parts of four seasons (2014-15 - 2017-18), registering 14 goals and 47 assists for 61 points, along with 67 penalty minutes. Bigras has averaged 0.48 points per game thus far in his AHL career, and he has also averaged at least 0.50 points per game in two of the three seasons in which he has played at least 30 games.

Bigras has also skated in 46 career NHL games over parts of two seasons (2015-16; 2017-18), both with Colorado, registering one goal and three assists for four points, along with 18 penalty minutes. He posted a plus-one rating while making his NHL debut on January 14, 2016 vs. New Jersey, and he registered his first career NHL assist/point while skating in his second career NHL game on January 16, 2016 at Columbus. Bigras also recorded his first career NHL goal March 1, 2016 at Minnesota.

Prior to beginning his professional career, Bigras played four seasons of junior hockey with the Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He was selected to the OHL's First All-Star Team during his final season with Owen Sound in 2014-15. In addition, Bigras has represented Canada in several international tournaments, and he won a gold medal at the 2013 IIHF U18 World Championship and at the 2012 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.

The Orillia, Ontario native was acquired by the Rangers from Colorado in exchange for Ryan Graves on February 26, 2018. Bigras was originally selected by the Avalanche in the second round, 32nd overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Fogarty, 25, skated in 63 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL) this past season, registering nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points, along with 22 penalty minutes. He established AHL career-highs in goals, shorthanded goals (two), game-winning goals (two), and shots on goal (94), and tied his AHL career-high in points in 2017-18. Fogarty led the Wolf Pack in shorthanded goals, tied for third on the team in game-winning goals, and tied for fifth on the team in power play assists (six) this past season. In addition, Fogarty skated in one NHL game with the Rangers in 2017-18, as he made his NHL/Rangers debut on April 7, 2018 at Philadelphia.

The 6-3, 209-pounder has skated in 132 career AHL games over parts of three seasons (2015-16 - 2017-18), all with the Wolf Pack, registering 16 goals and 25 assists for 41 points, along with 43 penalty minutes. Fogarty established AHL career-highs in games played (66), assists (13), and points (20) during his rookie season in the AHL in 2016-17, as he led Hartford rookies in goals (seven) and ranked second among Hartford rookies in points during the season. Fogarty joined the Wolf Pack for three games in 2015-16 following the conclusion of his collegiate season, and he tallied his first career AHL assist/point while making his AHL debut on April 1, 2016 vs. Hershey.

Prior to beginning his professional career, Fogarty played four seasons of collegiate hockey with the University of Notre Dame (2012-13 - 2015-16). He served as Notre Dame's captain in each of his final two seasons, and he also helped Notre Dame win the CCHA Championship during his freshman year in 2012-13. Fogarty established collegiate career-highs in goals (10), assists (13), and points (23) during his senior year in 2015-16.

The Chambersburg, Pennsylvania native was selected by the Rangers in the third round, 72nd overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Nieves, 24, split this past season between the Rangers and the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League (AHL). He skated in 28 games with the Blueshirts in 2017-18, registering one goal and eight assists for nine points, along with a plus-six rating and 12 penalty minutes. Nieves ranked fourth on the Rangers - and ranked second among team forwards - in plus/minus rating this past season, and he posted a plus/minus rating of even or better in 24 of the 28 games he played. In addition, Nieves was not on the ice for a goal against in each of the first 13 games he played in 2017-18 (October 26, 2017 vs. Arizona - December 5, 2017 at Pittsburgh). Nieves registered three assists/points, including his first career NHL assist/point, and posted a plus-three rating while skating in his second career NHL game and making his 2017-18 NHL season debut on October 26, 2017 vs. Arizona. He became the first Ranger to post a three-point game in one of his first two career NHL contests since Derek Stepan on October 9, 2010 and the first Ranger to post a three-assist game in one of his first two career NHL games since Dominic Moore on November 1, 2003. Nieves tallied his first career NHL goal and posted a plus-two rating on December 5, 2017 at Pittsburgh.

6-3, 212-pounder also skated in 40 AHL games with the Wolf Pack in 2017-18, registering eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points, along with 12 penalty minutes. Nieves established AHL career-highs in goals, assists, points, and power play goals (six), and tied AHL career-highs in games played and game-winning goals (two) during the past season. He ranked third on the Wolf Pack in power play goals and tied for third on the team in game-winning goals in 2017-18.

Nieves has skated in 88 career AHL games over parts of three seasons (2015-16 - 2017-18), all with the Wolf Pack, registering 16 goals and 28 assists for 44 points, along with 22 penalty minutes. He joined the Wolf Pack following the conclusion of his collegiate season in 2015-16, and he notched a point in each of his first four career AHL games while finishing the 2015-16 season in Hartford. Nieves tallied 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) in 40 games with Hartford during his rookie season in the AHL in 2016-17, and he led Wolf Pack rookies (min. 10 games played) in points per game during the season (0.45). In addition, Nieves skated in one NHL game prior to the 2017-18 season, as he made his NHL debut with the Rangers on November 15, 2016 at Vancouver.

The Syracuse, New York native was selected by the Rangers in the second round, 59th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

O'Gara, 25, skated in 30 NHL games with the Rangers and Boston Bruins this past season, registering three assists and six penalty minutes. He recorded three assists in 22 games with the Blueshirts after he was acquired from Boston, and he tied for third on the Rangers in blocked shots per game in 2017-18 (1.5). O'Gara made his Rangers debut on February 22, 2018 at Montreal, and he notched his first career NHL assist/point on March 8, 2018 at Tampa Bay. Prior to 2017-18, O'Gara skated in three NHL games with the Bruins during the 2016-17 season.

The 6-4, 215-pounder also skated in 43 AHL games this past season with Providence, registering two goals and six assists for eight points, along with a plus-five rating and 16 penalty minutes. O'Gara was tied for second among Providence defensemen in goals, ranked third among Providence defensemen in plus/minus rating, and was tied for third among Providence defensemen in points in 2017-18 at the time he was acquired by the Rangers. He has skated in 107 career AHL games over parts of three seasons (2015-16 - 2017-18), registering seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points, along with a plus-18 rating and 50 penalty minutes. O'Gara recorded 13 points (four goals, nine assists) and a plus-11 rating in 59 games during his first full AHL season in 2016-17, and he tied for 10th among AHL rookie defensemen in plus/minus rating during the season.

Prior to beginning his professional career, O'Gara played four seasons of collegiate hockey at Yale University (2012-13 - 2015-16), and he earned more honors than any other defenseman in Yale's history during his tenure. He skated in 133 career collegiate games over his four seasons at the school, registering 14 goals and 37 assists for 51 points, along with a plus-29 rating and 134 penalty minutes. O'Gara helped Yale win the National Championship in his freshman year in 2012-13, and he was selected to the NCAA (East) First All-American Team in 2014-15, as well as the NCAA (East) Second All-American Team in 2015-16. In addition, he was named to the ECAC First All-Star Team, the All-Ivy League First All-Star Team, and the All-New England First All-Star Team in both 2014-15 and 2015-16, and he was also selected as the ECAC's Best Defensive Defenseman in 2014-15 and 2015-16. O'Gara is the only defenseman in Yale history who is a three-time recipient of the John Poinier Award as the team's Best Defenseman.

The Massapequa, New York native was acquired by the Rangers from Boston, along with a third-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, in exchange for Nick Holden on February 20, 2018. O'Gara was originally selected by Boston in the fifth round, 151st overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

NYR TODAY MONDAY JULY 16: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/16

Julian Klymkiw G (1958-1959) Spence Tatchell D (1942-1943)

Today in NYR History 7/16:

90th Anniversary Logo Revealed
The Rangers announce that they will have a patch on their jerseys to Celebrate their 90th Anniversary during the 2016-2017 NHL Season.

NYR TODAY SUNDAY JULY 15: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/15

Eric LaCroix LW (1999-2001) Mikko Leinonen C (1981-1984) Bill Wylie C (1950-1951)

Today in NYR History 7/15:

1994: Stanley Cup Champion Head Coach Mike Kennan Quits
Thirty-one days after coaching the New York Rangers to their first Stanley Cup championship in 54 years, Mike Keenan quits his job, saying at a news conference in Toronto that he's leaving with four years remaining on his contract because of a "breach of contractual obligations." He declines to discuss the specifics of those obligations. Two days later, he's named coach and general manager of the St. Louis Blues. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman settles the issue a few days later by approving a trade that sends center Petr Nedved to the Rangers for forward Esa Tikkanen and defenseman Doug Lidster, allowing Keenan to stay with the Blues.

NYR TODAY SATURDAY JULY 14: Alumni Birthday, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthday 7/14

Matt Zaba G (2009-2010)

Today in NYR History 7/14:

1986: Rangers Name Phil Esposito GM & Vice President
The New York Rangers' quest for the Stanley Cup takes a new direction when 44-year-old Phil Esposito officially replaces Craig Patrick as general manager (Esposito is also named a vice president). The move comes five years after Esposito retires as a player with New York, and two months after the Rangers partially atone for a poor regular season by winning two rounds in the Stanley Cup Playoffs before losing to the Montreal Canadiens in the conference final.

Esposito pledges to bring a Stanley Cup to New York, though he doesn't provide a timetable for accomplishing a feat that has eluded the Rangers since 1940. He fails to live up to that pledge and is fired after the Rangers are eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in 1989.

NYR TODAY FRIDAY JULY 13: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/13

Bobby Carpenter C (1986-1987) Rick Chartraw D (1982-1984) Bill Collins C (1975-1976) Dan Fritsche C (2008-2009)

Today in NYR History July 13

2000: The Rangers sign free agent center Mark Messier.
One of the first moves by new general manager Glen Sather is to bring back Messier, who signs a two-year contract. The news conference announcing his return begins with Madison Square Garden president Dave Checketts admitting that letting Messier go to Vancouver after the Rangers make the Eastern Conference Final in 1997 was a mistake.

Upon Messier's return after 3 years in Vancouver, Brian Leetch turns the captaincy over to Messier, who would score 24 goals and 67 points in 82 games that season.

The highlight comes when defenseman Brian Leetch, who's named captain after Messier leaves, takes out a Rangers jersey and unfolds it; Messier's No. 11 is on the back and the captain's "C" is on the front. He invites Messier to "come up and put on the jersey that looks best on you."

Messier would play four more seasons before calling it a career after the 2003-04 season.

RANGERS RE-SIGN McLEOD

The Rangers have announced that Cody McLeod has signed a one-year deal to remain with the Rangers. (NYR)

From the Rangers Official Release:

McLeod skated in 25 games with the Rangers during the past season, and he led the Blueshirts (min. two games played) in hits per game in 2017-18 (3.0; 76 hits in 25 contests). He led all skaters with eight hits while making his Rangers debut on February 1, 2018 vs. Toronto, and his eight hits were the most a Ranger recorded in one game during the season.
McLeod has skated in 38 Stanley Cup Playoff games in his career, and he helped Nashville advance to the Stanley Cup Final during the 2016-17 season.
During his tenure with the Avalanche, McLeod served as an alternate captain for five seasons (2011-12 - 2015-16).
In his 25 games with the Rangers, McLeod averaged 7:54 per game and was a minus 11.

The deal is worth $750,000 according to the NY Post.

McLeod was claimed off of waivers last season by the Rangers from Nashville making $1.25 million last season in the final-year of a three-year deal.

REPORT: Rangers Likely to Hire Boston College associate head coach Greg Brown

Jeff Cox of the NE Hockey Journal is reporting that Boston College associate head coach Greg Brown is leaving BC to join David Quinn's staff with the Rangers.

A former teammate of David Quinn's on the 1985-86 USA World Junior team, Cox played at BC for three seasons in the late 80s and played 94 games in the NHL with the Sabres, Penguins and Jets.

In his playing career at BC he was a two-time Hobey Baker finalist and he was a teammate of Brian Leetch at BC and both Leetch and Richter on various USA teams.

Brown was an assistant for the 2013-14 Team USA World Junior team that featured Brady Skjei, the 2016-17 and 2017-18 USA World Junior teams that featured Ryan Lindgren.

He has been with BC since 2004-05 and was promoted to associate head coach under Jerry York in 2012-13 and has worked "closely with the team's defensemen and has worked extensively with special teams."

Brown has ties to both Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes having been at BC for all of their time there.

From Brown's bio on Boston College's Website:

Greg Brown, one of the best defensemen in Boston College history, is in his 13th season as a member of Jerry York’s staff.  He was promoted to associate head coach in September 2012.

Brown works closely with the team’s defensemen and has worked extensively with special teams.

In his 11-year tenure at the Heights, the team has captured six Hockey East Tournament titles and three national titles (2008, 2010 and 2012) in five Frozen Four national championship-game appearances.

Brown, who has extensive international playing experience, was the assistant coach of the U.S. National Junior Team that competed at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship from Dec. 26, 2013 to Jan. 5, 2014, in Malmo, Sweden.

Brown began his coaching career in August of 2004 after completing a 12-year professional playing career.

A 1990 Boston College graduate, Brown was a two-time All-America first-team selection (1989 and 1990), a two-time Hobey Baker Award finalist and a two-time All-New England choice.  He is one of only three players in Hockey East history to twice capture the league’s Player of the Year honor.  In 1994, Brown was one of four defensemen selected to the Hockey East All-Decade Team.  He was inducted into Boston College’s Varsity Club Hall of Fame in November 2004.

Brown played three seasons for the Eagles (1986-87, 1988-89 and 1989-90), serving as team captain in 1989-90.  He missed the 1987-88 season while playing 55 games with U.S. National Team and then representing his country at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.  Brown totaled 120 points – 24 goals and 96 assists – in 119 games.  He ranks among Hockey East career leaders for defenseman scoring in assists (third), points (fourth) and goals (fifth).

Brown played for the United States in two Olympic Games.  In addition to the 1988 Games, Brown played for Team USA in the 1992 Olympics in Albertville, France.

After graduation, Brown enjoyed a 12-year professional playing career.  He spent four seasons in the National Hockey League, before moving to Europe to continue his career.  In the NHL, he played with the Buffalo Sabres (1990-91, 1992-93), Pittsburgh Penguins (1993-94) and Winnipeg Jets (1994-95).  In Europe, he played three seasons in Sweden (1995-96, 2001-02 and 2002-03), one season in Switzerland (1996-97) and four seasons in Germany (1997-98 through 2000-01).

Brown’s older brother Doug also enjoyed an outstanding playing career – both at Boston College (1982-86) and the NHL.  Doug Brown was a two-time All-America second-team selection (1985 and 1986) with the Eagles.  He went on to a 15-year career in the NHL.  Doug was inducted into the BC Varsity Club Hall of Fame along with Greg in 2004.

Greg and his wife Katharine have two children, Ashley (18) and Peyton (16).  They reside in Scituate.


Coaching Career
2012-present                 Boston College                           Associate Head Coach
2004-12                         Boston College                           Assistant Coach

NCAA Frozen Fours Coached
Year                             School                            Location
2016                             Boston College               Tampa, Fla.
2014                             Boston College               Philadelphia, Pa.
2012*                            Boston College               Tampa, Fla.
2010*                            Boston College               Detroit, Mich.
2008*                            Boston College               Denver, Colo.
2007                             Boston College               St. Louis, Mo.
2006                             Boston College               Milwaukee, Wis.

 * denotes year in which team captured NCAA Division I championship

NYR TODAY THURSDAY JULY 12: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/12

Dan Boyle D (2014-2016) Brandon Segal RW (2012-2013)

Today in NYR History July 12

1974: The Rangers Acquire Derek Sanderson in from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Walt MacKechnie.

2000: Ron Low becomes the 30th head coach in Rangers history.
Low replaces interm coach John Tortorella (4 games in 2000). Low goes on to Coach only 2 seasons from 2000-2002, coaching 164 games with a record of 69-86-9 in two non-playoff seasons before being let go.

NYR TODAY WEDNESDAY JULY 11: Alumni Birthday

NYR Alumni Birthday 7/11

Ron Stewart RW (1967-71,1972-73) Head Coach (1975-76)

NYR TODAY TUESDAY JULY 10: Today in Rangers History

Today in NYR History July 10

2007: The Rangers re-sign Henrik Lundqvist. 
After back-to-back 30-plus win seasons, the Rangers locked up their franchise goaltender to a new contract after he wins 30 and 37 games in his first two NHL seasons. Lundqvist goes on to win at least 30 games in each of the next nine full NHL seasons and wins the Vezina Trophy in 2012 after going 39-18-5 with a 1.97 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage. He's remained in New York ever since.

2017: Lindy Ruff Joins Rangers Staff
The Rangers officially announce that Lindy Ruff joined Alain Vigneault's coaching staff as an assistant coach replacing Jeff Beukeboom who was transitioned into another role within the organization.

Before joining the Rangers, Ruff had been a head coach in the NHL for 19 seasons and has a .561 career winning percentage.

As an NHL player, Ruff played parts of three seasons with the Rangers (1988-89 - 1990-91) after he was acquired from Buffalo on March 7, 1989, he recorded 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 83 career contests with the Blueshirts.