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.
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