NYR TODAY FRIDAY 8/31: Alumni Birthdays, Remembering Vadnais, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays August 31:

Fern Gauthier RW (1943-1944) Bryce Lampman D (2003-2007)

Remembering Carol Vadnais: September 25, 1945-August 31, 2014
Carol Vadnais, who was a mainstay on the Rangers' blueline for seven seasons, passed away on Sunday August 31, 2014 at the age of 68.

Vadnais was part of one of the most prolific trades in Rangers history. On November 7, 1975, the Blueshirts acquired him and Phil Esposito from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Brad Park, Jean Ratelle, and Joe Zanussi.

In his first season with the Rangers, Vadnais quickly showed why he was one of the top all-around defensemen in the NHL. He led all Rangers defensemen with 50 points (20 goals and 30 assists) in 64 games after he was acquired, and was selected to play in his fifth career NHL All-Star Game.

Vadnais tallied at least 40 points in each of the following three seasons, and led all team defensemen in points with 48 during the 1976-77 season. He was selected to play in his second NHL All-Star Game as a member of the Rangers in 1977-78, as he recorded 46 points (six goals, 40 assists) in a career-high 80 games.

In 1978-79, the Montreal, Quebec native was a key contributor in one of the most memorable playoff runs in Rangers history. After finishing the regular season with 45 points, Vadnais tallied 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 18 playoff games as the Rangers advanced to the Stanley Cup Final.

Vadnais skated in 485 career games with the Rangers, registering 56 goals and 190 assists for 246 points, along with 690 penalty minutes. He ranks 11th in franchise history in goals, assists, and points by a defenseman. Vadnais also skated in his 1,000th career NHL game as a member of the Rangers on November 21, 1981 against the Islanders.

Over a 17-year NHL career with the Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Oakland Seals/California Golden Seals, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils, Vadnais tallied 169 goals and 418 assists for 587 points, along with 1,813 penalty minutes in 1,087 career games. He was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game six times during his career. Vadnais was also a member of Team Canada at the 1976 Canada Cup, and represented Team Canada at the 1977 World Championships.

He reached the playoffs in 13 of his 17 NHL seasons. Vadnais appeared in 106 career playoff games, registering 10 goals and 40 assists for 50 points, along with 185 penalty minutes. He won the Stanley Cup twice in his career - in 1967-68 with Montreal and in 1971-72 with Boston.

Vadnais tallied five goals and 16 assists for 21 points in 54 career playoff games with the Rangers. He ranks 12th in franchise history in points by a defensemen in the playoffs, and is tied for 12th in franchise history in goals and assists by a defenseman in the playoffs.

Today in NYR History 8/31:

1977: Rangers trade the Rights to RFA Pete Stemkowski to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for the 1978 3rd Round Drfat Pick (#44 Dean Turner).

1995: Rangers acquire Luc Robitaille and Ulf Samuelsson from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Sergei Zubov and Petr Nedved.

Robitaille scores 23 and 24 goals in two seasons with the Rangers before they trade him back to the Los Angeles Kings, his first NHL team. He retires in 2006 and is inducted into the Hall of Fame three years later

NYR TODAY THURSDAY 8/30: Alumni Birthdays

NYR Alumni Birthdays August 30:

Duke Dutkowski D (1933-1934) Dunc Fisher RW (1948-1950) Guy Gendron LW (1955-58,1961-62) Vladmir Malakhov D (2000-2004) Mike McMahon JR D (1953-66,1971-72) Simon Wheeldon C (1988-1989)

NYR TODAY WEDNESDAY 8/29: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 8/29

Peter Andersson D (1992-1994) Hal Cooper RW (1944-1945) Doug Sulliman RW (1979-1981)

Today in NYR History 8/29:

1964: Bentley, Siebert and Chadwick Elected to Hockey Hall of Fame Class

The Hockey Hall of Fame announces its newest class, including NYR Rangers Alumni Doug Bentley (1953-1954), Albert "Babe" Siebert (1932-1934)

Among the inductees is referee and future NYR Broadcaster referee Bill "Big Whistle" Chadwick, the first U.S.-born official to earn induction.

1974: Rangers acquire Greg Polis from the St Louis Blues in exchange for Larry Sacharuk and the 1977 1st Round Draft Pick (#8 Lucien DeBlois).

2017: The New York Rangers Officially Announce that Legendary Blueshirt Jean Ratelle will be honored as his #19 will be raised to the rafters on February 25, 2018 vs the Detroit Red Wings.

NYR TODAY TUESDAY 8/28: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthday 8/28:

Andy Bathgate RW (1952-1964, Captain 1961-1964) Marek Hrivik LW (2015-2017)

Today in NYR History 8/28:

1975: New York Rangers president William M. Jennings is inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Jennings a key figure in the 1967 expansion that doubles the size of the NHL, is inducted as a builder.

William M. Jennings (December 14, 1920 – August 17, 1981)

Born in New York, New York, Jennings graduated from Princeton University and then earned a law degree from Yale Law School. He became a partner in a Manhattan law firm and through his capacity as counsel to Madison Square Gardens, in 1962 he was named president of their subsidiary, the New York Rangers. He was president of the Rangers until his death in 1981. During this time, the Rangers became Stanley Cup contenders. He was a key figure in the first ever expansion of the NHL in 1967 when it doubled in size from the original six teams. Jennings also helped initiate the Lester Patrick Trophy in 1966, which he would win in 1971.

The William M. Jennings Trophy was named in his honor. In 1975, he was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame and in 1981 to the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

In 1966, Jennings founded the New York Metropolitan Hockey Association, one of only a few outlets in the area at that time available for young hockey players. In 1967, Jennings founded the Westchester Classic golf tournament in Harrison, New York as a means to raise funds for charitable purposes in Westchester County.

1997: Rangers acquire Kevin Stevens from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Luc Robitaille.

NYR TODAY MONDAY 8/27: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 8/27:

Karel Rachunek D (2003-04,2006-07) Doug Robinson LW (1964-1967)

Today in NYR History 8/27:

1966: Rangers Alumni Max Bentley and Babe Pratt are among 10 new inductees to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Other members of the Class of 1966 include Toe Blake, Elmer Lach, Ted Lindsay, Butch Bouchard, Frank Brimsek, Ken Reardon,  Ted Kennedy and Longtime NHL President Clarence Campbell.

Bentley's rights were sold to Rangers by Toronto on August 11, 1953, he spent his final NHL season with the Rangers in 1953–54 until retireing in 1955 at the age of 33. In 57 games as a Blueshirt he totaled 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points with 15 penalty minutes. Maxwas the brother of another former Rangers player, Doug Bentley.

RANGERS DEBUT
Oct. 8, 1953 (Rangers at Detroit Red Wings)

FINAL GAME WITH RANGERS
March 21, 1954 (Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens)

MAJOR NHL AWARDS/ACHIEVEMENTS WITH RANGERS
Hockey Hall of Fame — Inducted 1966

RANGERS ORGANIZATION STATISTICS
Minor-league games: 50
Minor-league teams: Saskatoon (WHL) 1954-1955)

MISCELLANEOUS
Nickname: Dipsy Doodle Dandy
Full name: Maxwell Herbert L. Bentley
Uniform Numbers: 10, 22
Retired from pro hockey: 1955

Pratt was scouted and signed by Rangers as free agent on October 18, 1935 until being traded by Rangers to Toronto in exchange for Hank Goldup and Red Garrett on November 27, 1942.

Pratt was one of several future Hall of Famers who broke into the NHL with the Rangers in the 1930, Pratt was discovered by Rangers coach Lester Patrick while he was attending Patrick`s hockey school at Winnipeg in 1934. The Rangers signed him the following year, and he opened the 1935-36 season with the Blueshirts` minor-league affiliate in Philadelphia.

Once Pratt arrived in the NHL for good in January 1936, he emerged as a fan favorite and pillar on defense for the Blueshirts. He was part of the Rangers` 1940 Stanley Cup championship team and went on to win the Hart Trophy as the NHL`s MVP with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1943-44. In 305 regular season games in New York he totaled 27 goals and 97 assists for 124 points, in 39 playoff games he tallied 9 golas and 8 assists for 17 points.

Seasons with Rangers: 8 (1936-1942)
Regular-Season Games with Rangers: 308
Playoff Games with Rangers: 39

RANGERS DEBUT
Jan. 28, 1936 (Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens)

MAJOR NHL AWARDS/ACHIEVEMENTS WITH RANGERS
Hockey Hall of Fame — Inducted 1966

RANGERS TEAM LEADER
Most penalty minutes — 1940-41, 1941-42
Most playoff goals — 1937 (tie)
Most playoff penalty minutes — 1942

RANGERS ORGANIZATION STATISTICS
Minor-league games: 28
Minor-league teams: Philadelphia (Can-Am) 1935-36

MISCELLANEOUS
Nickname: Babe
Full name: Walter Basil Pratt
Uniform Numbers: 11, 2
Stanley Cup Champion: 1940
Retired from pro hockey: 1952

1987: The Rangers trade Peter Sundstrom to the Washington Capitals in exchange for the 1988 5th round draft pick (#99-Martin Bergeron).

NYR TODAY SUNDAY 8/26: Alumni Birthday, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthday 8/26:

Anthony Duclair LW (2014-2015)

Today in NYR History 8/26:

1998: Mike Gartner officially retires from the NHL after 19 seasons.
He finishes as the fifth-highest goal scorer in League history with 708. The last 12 goals come with the Phoenix Coyotes, his fifth NHL team, in 1997-98. He begins his NHL career with the Washington Capitals in 1979 and continues with the Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Coyotes. Though he owns the NHL record for the most 30-goal seasons (17) and is part of two Canada Cup-winning teams, Gartner never wins the Stanley Cup. However, he is inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001

During his tenure with the Rangers he was regarded as one of the greatest natural skaters to ever play for the Rangers, Mike Gartner was a goal-scoring hit at Madison Square Garden from 1989 until 1994.

During his five-year stint, Gartner was an ideal Ranger on and off the ice. He scored at least 40 goals in the three consecutive full seasons he played for New York, becoming the first player in Blueshirt history to do so. He also served as celebrity chairman of the Ice Hockey in Harlem program during the early 1990s, and also worked with local child-abuse prevention programs. This combination of supreme talent and a big heart endeared him to the Garden Faithful.

Gartner came to the Rangers in a 1990 deal that sent Ulf Dahlen, a draft choice and future considerations to Minnesota. In a sign of things to come, he scored two goals in his Blueshirt debut against Philadelphia, and in the 12 remaining regular season games, he tallied 11 goals and five assists for 16 points.

The right wing`s best season came in 1990-91, when he tallied 49 goals, the most scored by a player at that position until Jaromir Jagr netted 54 in 2005-06. During the 1991-92 campaign, Gartneralso became the first player in NHL history to register his 500th goal, his 500th assist and 1,000th point all in the same season. He also set what was then a team playoff record of eight goals and 16 points in the Rangers` 13-game playoff run.

Gartner appeared in his sixth All-Star game, and only as a Ranger, in 1993, taking home MVP honors by scoring four goals. He also won the 1991 and 1993 NHL Fastest Skater competition at the All-Star SuperSkills competition.

In 1992-93, Gartner won the Rangers Boucher Trophy as the Most Popular Blueshirt. He just missed out on a championship the following year, when he was traded to Edmonton in exchange for Glen Anderson with only 13 games left in the season.

Full name: Michael Alfred Gartner
Uniform Numbers: 22

Seasons with Rangers: 4 (1989-1994)
Regular-Season Games with Rangers: 322
Playoff Games with Rangers: 29

Acquired
Traded to Rangers by Minnesota in exchange for Ulf Dahlen, Los Angeles` 1990 fourth-round draft pick (Cal McGowan) and future considerations on March 6, 1990.

Departed
Traded by Rangers to Toronto in exchange for Glenn Anderson, Scott Malone and 1994 fourth-round draft choice (Alexander Korobolin) on March 21, 1994.

RANGERS DEBUT
March 8, 1990 (Rangers at Philadelphia Flyers)

FINAL GAME WITH RANGERS
March 18, 1994 (Rangers vs. Chicago Blackhawks)

MAJOR NHL AWARDS/ACHIEVEMENTS WITH RANGERS
Hockey Hall of Fame — Inducted 2001
NHL All-Star Game — 1993
NHL All-Star Game MVP — 1993

RANGERS TEAM AWARDS
Boucher Trophy (Most Popular) — 1992-93
"Crumb Bum" Award (Community Service) — 1990-91

RANGERS TEAM LEADER
Most goals — 1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93
Most playoff points — 1992
Most playoff goals — 1992

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS WHILE IN RANGERS ORGANIZATION
1993 World Championships in Germany

RANGERS ORGANIZATION STATISTICS
Minor-league games: 0
Minor-league teams: None

2004: Rangers sign free agent goaltender Kevin Weekes.

Weekes signed with the New York Rangers as a free agent prior to the 2004–05 NHL lock-out, winning his first start with the Rangers on October 5, 2005, in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. His time with the Rangers looked to be promising until an injury kept him out and he lost his number one spot to Henrik Lundqvist. Lundqvist came in to play in place of Weekes and played exceptionally well. Weekes remained in good spirits upon his healthy return to the team even though he had been bumped to the number two spot and back up to the rookie (Lundqvist). He became an unrestricted free agent following a less than stellar 2006–07 season.

Weekes announced his retirement from playing on September 27, 2009.

Weekes made history in 2009, when he became the first black analyst in hockey. Weekes provides colour commentary for NHL games on the NHL Network and Hockey Night in Canada. In The Hockey News 2011 edition of the 100 Most Powerful people in ice hockey, Weekes was considered one of the Top 40 under the age of 40.

Seasons with Rangers: 2 (2005-2007)
Regular-Season Games with Rangers: 46
Playoff Games with Rangers: 1

Acquired
Signed with Rangers as an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 26, 2004.
Departed
Signed with New Jersey as an unrestricted free agent on July 5, 2007.

RANGERS DEBUT
Oct. 5, 2005 (Rangers at Philadelphia Flyers)

RANGERS TEAM AWARDS
Players` Player Award — 2005-06 (co-winner with Jed Ortmeyer)
Uniform Number: 80

NYR TODAY SATURDAY 8/25: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 8/25:

Jerry Holland LW (1974-1976) Pete Stemkowski C (1970-1977) Dean Talafous RW (1978-1981)

Monty Hall

Rangers Color Man 1959-1960
Before he started “Let’s Make a Deal’’ in 1963  Hall served as a color man for Rangers games on WINS radio, working alongside Jim Gordon in 1958-59 and 1959-60.

Hall already was an experienced announcer and performer when he landed an interview with Herb Goren, then the Rangers’ public relations man, through a mutual cousin who suggested they meet. They shared an interest in hockey; Hall grew up in Winnipeg.

Goren asked Hall what he could do. “I said, ‘I do everything: actor, singer, sportscaster; I’ll do anything,’’’ Hall recalled. “So he said, ‘Go see Les Keiter at WINS. He’s looking for a [Rangers] color man.’’’ He was paid $50 per game.

Hall was working on Nov. 1, 1959, when goaltending history was made.

“One day during the warmup I noticed that [the Canadiens’] Jacques Plante came out wearing a mask, and no one had worn a mask in hockey,’’ he said.


Then the game started and Plante was hit in the face by a shot from Andy Bathgate, causing him to bleed profusely. With no backup goalie dressed, Hall had to fill time while waiting for Plante to receive stitches. “I said, ‘It wouldn’t surprise me if he comes out wearing that mask,’’’ Hall recalled saying during the break.

Today in NYR History 8/25:

1931:  Rangers acquire Norm Dutch Gainor from Bruins in exchange for Joe Jerwa

1977: Former NY Ranger & Maple Leaf Tim Horton is inducted as part of the new class at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The 20 year Toronto Maple Leaf Mainstay was traded to the Rangers in exchange for future considerations (Denis Dupere) on March 3, 1970. Horton tallied 3 goals and 23 assists for 26 points in 93 regular seasons for the Rangers from 1969-1971 while putting up 2 goals and 5 assists in 19 playoff games.

Horton's Rangers tenure came to an end when he was claimed by Pittsburgh in NHL Intra-League Draft on June 8, 1971. He went on to play one season in Pittsburgh before playing for the Buffalo Sabres. During his second season in Buffalo, he sadly died following a single-vehicle crash in 1974, at the age of 44.

Horton was the first player to wear number 3 for the Rangers following Harry Howell.

Full name: Miles Gilbert Horton
Uniform Number: 3

Seasons with Rangers: 2 (1970-1971)
Regular-Season Games with Rangers: 93
Playoff Games with Rangers: 19

RANGERS DEBUT
March 4, 1970 (Rangers vs. Detroit Red Wings)

FINAL GAME WITH RANGERS
May 2, 1971 (Rangers at Chicago Black Hawks) (playoffs)

NYR TODAY FRIDAY 8/24: Alumni Birthday, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthday 8/24:

Bill Goldsworthy RW (1976-1977)

Today in NYR History 8/24:

Former Rangers Player & Coach Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion is Inducted into The Hockey Hall of Fame.

Geoffrion is inducted among a star studded class that includes former Montreal teammate Jean Beliveu, Gordie Howe, Hooley Smith and Boston President Weston Adams.

A true hockey legend, Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion spent the final two of his 16 NHL seasons with the New York Rangers.

Geoffrion joined the Blueshirts in June 1966 after having spent the previous two years as head coach of the Montreal Canadiens` top farm team in Quebec City. At the time, it seemed Geoffrion`s career was over, but at age 35, he was willing to give the NHL another shot with the Rangers.

In two seasons with the Rangers, Geoffrion scored 22 goals and was hardly up to the standards of his Hall of Fame career in Montreal. Despite his declining skills, he was embraced by Madison Square Garden fans, who also welcomed him as head coach following his retirement in 1968.

Geoffrion coached the Rangers for half of the 1968-69 season before he was replaced behind the bench by general manager Emile Francis. He later went on to coach the Atlanta Flames and his hometown Canadiens.

Nickname: Boom Boom
Full name: Jos. A. Bernard Geoffrion
Uniform Numbers: 5
Retired from NHL: 1968

Seasons with Rangers: 3 (2 as player from 1966-1968, 1 as head coach in 1968-69)
Regular-Season Games with Rangers: 117
Playoff Games with Rangers: 5

Acquired
Claimed on waivers from Montreal on June 9, 1966.

Departed
Retired from pro hockey following 1967-68 season to pursue coaching career.

NYR - CAREER REGULAR SEASON STATS
SEASON TEAM GP G A P +/- PIM PP SH GW S S%
1966-1967 RANGERS 58 17 25 42 -2 42 5 0 2 155 11.0
1967-1968 RANGERS 59 5 16 21 1 11 4 0 0 84 6.0
TEAM TOTALS: 117 22 41 63 1 53 4 0 0
NYR - CAREER PLAYOFF STATS
SEASON TEAM GP G A P +/- PIM PP SH GW S S%
1966-1967 RANGERS 4 2 0 2 -1 0 2 0 0 8 25.0
1967-1968 RANGERS 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
TEAM TOTALS: 5 2 1 3 0 0 0 0

RANGERS DEBUT
Oct. 19, 1966 (Rangers at Chicago Black Hawks)

FINAL GAME WITH RANGERS
April 4, 1968 (Rangers vs. Chicago Black Hawks) (playoffs)

MAJOR NHL AWARDS/ACHIEVEMENTS WITH RANGERS
Hockey Hall of Fame — Inducted 1972

RANGERS TEAM LEADER
Most playoff goals — 1967 (tie)

RANGERS COACHING STATISTICS
Head coach — June 4, 1968, to Jan. 17, 1969
Career regular-season record — 22-18-3

NYR TODAY THURSDAY 8/23: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 8/23:

Ray Ferraro C (1995-1996) Mike Green C (2003-2004) Carl Hagelin LW (2011-2015) Glenn Healy G (1993-1997) Randy Moller D (1989-1992)

Today in NYR History 8/23:

1973:Doug Harvey, former New York Rangers and the 1962 James Norris Trophy Winner, is among five inductees to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Harvey, traded by the Canadiens to the Rangers in 1961 for Lou Fontinato, he served as player-coach during his first season in New York. Although Harvey did an excellent job leading the 5th place team to a surprising 4th place finish and a playoff spot he was never entirely comfortable with this dual role. He remained with New York until the 1963-1964 season, playing in 151 games while tallying 10 goals and 61 assists for 71 points.

1982: Rangers acquire Shawn Dineen from the Minnesota North Stars in exchange for Dan McCarthy.

2005: Rangers acquire Steve Ruccin from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Trevor Gillies and the 2007 conditional pick (#108-Brett Bruneteau).

NYR TODAY WEDNESDAY 8/22: Alumni Birthday, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthday 8/22:

Ken Hammond D (1988-1989)

Today in NYR History August 22, 1977: 

Jean-Guy Talbot becomes the 16th head coach in Rangers history.
Talbot  took over from John Ferguson, , who steps away to concentrate on his role as general manager. As coach of the Rangers, Talbot was known for wearing a warm-up suit behind the bench during games, rather than the normal business suit worn by most coaches. Talbot, a target of fans ire only lasted 1 season as coach of the Rangers in 1977-78 although he gets the Rangers into the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in three seasons.
He and Ferguson are fired in June 1978 and replaced by Fred Shero.

Rangers Agree to Terms With Goaltender Dustin Tokarski

by New York Rangers @NYRangers / NYRangers.com

New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton announced today that the team has agreed to terms with free agent goaltender Dustin Tokarski on a one-year contract.

Tokarski, 28, has appeared in 34 career NHL games over parts of six seasons (2009-10; 2011-12; 2013-14 - 2016-17) with Tampa Bay, Montreal, and Anaheim, posting a 10-12-5 record, along with a 2.84 GAA, a .904 SV%, and 1 SO. He established NHL career-highs in appearances (17) and wins (six) with the Canadiens during the 2014-15 season, and he posted a 2.75 GAA and a .910 SV% in those 17 appearances. In addition, Tokarski made five appearances with Montreal during the Eastern Conference Final in 2014 against the Rangers and posted a 2-3 record, along with a 2.60 GAA and a .916 SV%.

The 6-0, 204-pounder appeared in 39 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League (AHL) this past season, posting a 20-8-7 record, along with a 2.65 GAA, a .915 SV%, and 5 SO. Tokarski tied for third in the AHL in SO in 2017-18, and he posted four shutouts over his final 14 appearances of the season. In addition, Tokarski helped Lehigh Valley advance to the Calder Cup Playoffs, and he made three playoff appearances this past season.

Tokarski has appeared in 315 career AHL games over parts of nine seasons (2009-10 - 2017-18), posting a 166-109-12 record, along with a 2.52 GAA, a .911 SV%, and 24 SO. He led the AHL in wins during the 2011-12 season (32), and he helped Norfolk win the Calder Cup as AHL Champions in 2011-12 by posting a 12-2 record, along with a 1.46 GAA, a .944 SV%, and 3 SO in 14 playoff appearances. He participated in the AHL All-Star Game during the 2013-14 season.

Prior to beginning his professional career, the Watson, Saskatchewan native played three seasons of junior hockey (2006-07 - 2008-09) with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL). In 2007-08, Tokarski helped Spokane win the WHL Championship and the Memorial Cup, and he also received the Stafford Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the Memorial Cup Tournament. In international competition, Tokarski won a gold medal while representing Canada at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Tokarski was originally selected by Tampa Bay in the fifth round, 122nd overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

NYR TODAY TUESDAY 8/21: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 8/21:

Jean Paul Lamarnde D (1946-48,1949-50) Steve McKenna LW (2001-2002)

Today in NYR History August 21, 1969:

The Hockey Hall of Fame announces its newest members. included is NY Rangers Alumni Bryan Hextal Sr.
From the moment he joined the Rangers organization in 1936, Bryan Hextall began to set himself apart as a special star. In his first 18 minor-league games, he led the American Hockey League with 29 goals, prompting a call-up to the Rangers on a full-time basis in 1937.

He would never play in the minor leagues again and would not miss another NHL game for seven straight years until his career was interrupted by his service to the Canadian military during the 1944-45 season. His absence from hockey was then extended by a stomach disorder and liver condition that caused him to miss all but three games of the 1945-46 season.

Hextall was the last Rangers player to lead the NHL in scoring, a feat he accomplished with 56 points in 1941-42. He is also the last Rangers player to have led the league in goals in back-to-back seasons, as he scored a total of 50 in 96 games between 1940 and 1942.

The top scorer for the regular season during the Rangers` 1940 Stanley Cup championship year, Hextall also led the team with four goals during the playoffs. Between 1938-39 and 1943-44, Hextall recorded six straight 20-goal seasons, breaking Bill Cook`s former team record of four straight. he was also named to the NHL First All-Star team three times during that span.

RANGERS DEBUT
Feb. 23, 1937 (Rangers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs)

FINAL GAME WITH RANGERS
April 4, 1948 (Rangers vs. Detroit Red Wings) (playoffs)

MAJOR NHL AWARDS/ACHIEVEMENTS WITH RANGERS
Hockey Hall of Fame — Inducted 1969
NHL Scoring Leader — 1941-42
NHL First All-Star Team — 1939-40, 1940-41, 1941-42
NHL Second All-Star Team — 1942-43

RANGERS TEAM AWARDS
Rangers MVP — 1943-44 (co-winner with Ott Heller)

NHL LEADER
Most points — 1941-42
Most goals — 1939-40, 1940-41

RANGERS TEAM LEADER
Most points — 1939-40, 1940-41 (tie), 1941-42, 1943-44
Most goals — 1939-40, 1940-41, 1942-43, 1943-44
Most assists — 1943-44
Most playoff points — 1938 (tie), 1948 (tie)
Most playoff goals — 1938 (tie), 1940, 1948 (tie)

RANGERS ORGANIZATION STATISTICS
Minor-league games: 18
Minor-league teams: Philadelphia (AHL) 1936-37

MISCELLANEOUS
Nickname: Hex
Full name: Bryan Aldwyn Hextall
Uniform Numbers: 15, 12, 19
Stanley Cup Champion: 1940
Retired from pro hockey: 1949

Tokarski agrees to one-year contract with Rangers

Dustin Tokarski agreed to a one-year contract with the New York Rangers on Monday.

Financial terms were not released.

The 28-year-old goalie, who most recently played in the NHL in 2016-17 with the Anaheim Ducks, was 20-8-7 with a 2.65 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage and five shutouts in 39 games with Lehigh Valley of the American Hockey League last season. He will compete in training camp against Marek Mazanec and Alexandar Georgiev to be the backup to Henrik Lundqvist.

Selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the fifth round (No. 122) of the 2008 NHL Draft, Tokarski is 10-12-5 with a 2.84 GAA, a .904 save percentage and one shutout in 34 NHL games (27 starts) with the Lightning, Montreal Canadiens and Ducks.

Tokarski is 2-3 with a 2.60 GAA and .916 save percentage in five Stanley Cup Playoff games, all with the Canadiens against the Rangers in the 2014 Eastern Conference Final after Carey Price sustained a lower-body injury in Game 1.

New York Rangers fantasy preview for 2018-19

As part of NHL.com's 31 in 31 series, the fantasy hockey staff identifies relevant players from each team for 2018-19. Today, we look at New York Rangers players, listed in order of rank in NHL.com's top 250. For more fantasy coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy.

[Rangers 31 IN 31: Season preview | 3 Questions | Top prospects | Behind the Numbers | NHL.com/Fantasy]

Chris Kreider, LW (NHL.com rank: 128) -- The 27-year-old was limited to 58 games last season after missing time with a blood clot in his right arm. When healthy, Kreider was fantasy-relevant with 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists), including 12 on the power play, and 137 shots on goal. After returning from injury Feb. 23, Kreider had 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in the final 20 games of the season. His strong finish and an expected first-line left wing role make Kreider the top Rangers player to be selected in fantasy. He gains additional value in hits leagues with 2.0 hits per game in his NHL career.

Mika Zibanejad, C (130) -- The 25-year-old had NHL career highs in goals (27), power-play goals (14) and SOG (212) in 72 games last season. He emerged as New York's No. 1 center and solidified his spot on the first power-play unit. Despite the steps forward in scoring and usage, Zibanejad had a minus-23 rating, lowest among Rangers forwards. New York is expected to utilize forwards Lias Andersson, 19, and Filip Chytil, 18, this season, and that should help alleviate pressure off Zibanejad at even strength. With a clear-cut role and consistent linemates, Zibanejad could have a breakout season and should be a bargain outside the top 130 in drafts.

Henrik Lundqvist, G - INJ. (148) -- The 36-year-old was 26-26-7 with a 2.98 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage and two shutouts in 63 games last season. It was the first time in Lundqvist's NHL career he didn't have at least 30 wins when playing more than 60 games. The decline in wins can be explained by team regression; New York failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2009-10. Lundqvist's career peripherals (2.37 GAA, .919 SV%) make him worthy of a middle-round pick, even with potential team concerns.

Pavel Buchnevich, RW** (155) -- The 23-year-old emerged on the fantasy landscape with 43 points (14 goals, 29 assists) in 74 games last season. He finished fourth among New York forwards in points despite playing 15:01 per game (ninth among Rangers forwards) and bouncing around different lines. It's realistic to project Buchnevich starting on the top line with Zibanejad and potentially forming a high-end duo. With breakout appeal, fantasy owners should target Buchnevich in later rounds with potential to finish among the top 100 forwards.

Kevin Shattenkirk, D - INJ. (176) -- In his first season with the Rangers, Shattenkirk missed 36 games with a knee injury. He finished with 23 points (five goals, 18 assists), including 12 on the power play, and had 94 SOG and a minus-14 rating in 46 games. Since 2010-11, Shattenkirk ranks fourth among NHL defensemen with 158 PPP in 536 games behind Erik Karlsson (185), P.K. Subban (167) and Keith Yandle (165). Potential fantasy owners should view the 29-year-old as a specialist for power-play points and wait to see if he's available in later rounds.

Mats Zuccarello, RW* (211) -- The 30-year-old led the Rangers with 53 points (16 goals, 37 assists) in 80 games last season. He played an NHL career-high 18:55 per game, the sixth straight season his ice time increased. Though Zuccarello likely will go undrafted in standard 12-team leagues, his usage indicates he should be fantasy-relevant this season and could be an attractive waiver-wire add if New York performs well. Zuccarello potentially can become an unrestricted free agent July 1, 2019, and could have extra motivation in a contract year.

Other players with fantasy upside in late rounds or off waiver wire: Lias Andersson, C; Filip Chytil, C; Vladislav Namestnikov, C/LW; Brady Skjei, D

*Potential 2019 unrestricted free agent

**Potential 2019 restricted free agent

INJ. - Injury concern entering 2018-19

Top prospects for New York Rangers

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 31 teams throughout August. Today, the top five prospects for the New York Rangers, according to NHL.com.

[Rangers 31 IN 31: Season preview | 3 Questions | Fantasy breakdown | Behind the Numbers]

1. Lias Andersson, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 7 pick in 2017 NHL Draft

Last season: New York: 7 GP, 1-1-2; Hartford (AHL): 25 GP, 5-9-14; Frolunda (SHL): 22 GP, 7-7-14

Andersson, who turns 20 on Oct. 13, is expected to push to be a top-four center in New York this season after coming to North America last season and spending most of the offseason training in Connecticut.

Andersson (6-foot, 200 pounds) began last season with Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League and was captain for Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship. Although he had a shoulder injury, he had seven points (six goals, one assist) in seven games and helped Sweden win the silver medal. Andersson joined Hartford on Jan. 19 and established himself as a top-six forward for New York's American Hockey League affiliate before the Rangers recalled him March 25 to play the final seven games of the regular season.

"I have to be stronger and faster and all that stuff to be ready [for a full NHL season]," Andersson said. "I think I've got the tools to be a good NHL player, but you have to learn the game and be ready physically."

Projected NHL arrival: This season

2. Filip Chytil, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 21 pick in 2017 NHL Draft

Last season: New York: 9 GP, 1-2-3; Hartford (AHL): 46 GP, 11-20-31

Chytil, who turns 19 on Sept. 5, will challenge to be one of the Rangers' top four centers this season. He made the roster out of training camp last season and played the first two games with the Rangers before being sent to Hartford. Chytl (6-2, 202) was recalled with Andersson on March 25 and scored his first NHL goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 30.

"I think I improved everything since the start of last season," Chytil said. "I feel more ready to play [in the] NHL."

Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. Vitali Kravtsov, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 9 pick in 2018 NHL Draft

Last season: Traktor Chelyabinsk (KHL): 35 GP, 4-3-7

The 18-year-old became the Rangers' target at the 2018 draft in part because of his strong showing in the Kontinental Hockey League playoffs last season. Kravtsov (6-2, 170) had 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 16 games to set a record for most points by a junior-aged player in the KHL playoffs. The previous record was nine, held by Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dallas Stars forward Valeri Nichushkin. Kravtsov won the Alexei Cherepanov Award as the KHL rookie of the year.

Kravtsov will begin this season in Russia, with the intention to sign with New York when his KHL season ends.

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

4. Igor Shesterkin, G

How acquired: Selected with No. 118 pick in 2014 NHL Draft

Last season: SKA St. Petersburg (KHL): 28 GP; 20-4-4, 1.70 GAA, .933 save percentage, 7 shutouts

The 22-year-old is New York's goaltender of the future. Shesterkin (6-1, 187) set a Russian/Soviet record for consecutive shutout minutes in a single IIHF World Championship this year (140:00). He was 47-8-10 for SKA St. Petersburg the past two seasons; he had a 1.64 goals-against average, a .937 save percentage and eight shutouts for SKA St. Petersburg in 2016-17 season, and a 1.69 GAA, a .933 save percentage and seven shutouts last season. He is signed in the KHL for one more season.

Projected NHL arrival: 2020-21 season

5. Libor Hajek, D

How acquired: Trade from Tampa Bay Lightning on Feb. 26

Last season: Saskatoon (WHL): 33 GP, 8-17-25; Regina (WHL): 25 GP, 4-10-14

Hajek (6-2, 202) was acquired in the trade that sent defenseman Ryan McDonagh and forward J.T. Miller to the Lightning. The Rangers like the 20-year-old because of his size, mobility, two-way play and presence on the ice. They project the second-round pick (No. 37) in the 2016 NHL Draft as a top-four defenseman at the NHL level with top-pair potential.

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

Three questions facing New York Rangers

NHL.com is providing in-depth analysis for each of its 31 teams throughout August. Today, three important questions facing the New York Rangers.

[Rangers 31 IN 31: Season preview | Top prospects | Fantasy breakdown | Behind the Numbers]

1. Can Henrik Lundqvist be better than he was last season?

Lundqvist was 26-26-7 with a 2.98 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 63 games last season, but many times, especially in the second half of the season, he was the difference between the Rangers staying in a game and getting blown out.

For New York to improve after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second time in Lundqvist's 13-season NHL career, the 36-year-old goaltender has to put up better numbers, which have declined in each of the past two seasons. His statistical dip coincided with the Rangers' poor defensive play, and there is no guarantee they will be better defensively than last season, when they were 28th in the NHL in goals-against (3.21). Still, a good part of the growth the Rangers hope to see this season hinges on Lundqvist.

To make it more difficult, he isn't expected to have a proven NHL goalie as his backup. The top two candidates are Alexandar Georgiev and Marek Mazanec, who between them have played 41 NHL games. Georgiev played in 10 last season, and Mazanec has played in six since 2014-15 and none last season. The Rangers also agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Dustin Tokarski on Aug. 20. Tokarski hasn't played in the NHL since the 2016-17 season and has played 39 games in six NHL seasons.

2. Is Kevin Hayes' future still in New York?

Hayes, the No. 2 center, agreed to a one-year contract July 30. The Rangers like the 26-year-old, who had 44 points (25 goals, 19 assists) in 76 games last season, but weren't ready to commit long term to him because they want to see what they have with rookie centers Lias Andersson, 19, and Filip Chytil, 18, each a first-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. If Andersson and Chytil become impactful NHL players this season, the Rangers could trade Hayes before the 2019 NHL Trade Deadline. If either struggles, or both do, the Rangers could try to sign Hayes to a long-term contract. First-year coach David Quinn said Hayes told him he wants to be in New York and wants to be a leader for the young players. Hayes will have to prove that.

3. How many rookies will make the team out of training camp?

Neither Quinn nor general manager Jeff Gorton would speculate on a number, but the Rangers could have at least five rookies on their opening roster. The most obvious candidates are Chytil, Andersson, Georgiev, 22, and forwards Michael Lindqvist, 23, and Ville Meskanen, 22. Lindqvist and Meskanen were signed as free agents from Europe on May 2 and 3. Others who could earn roster spots include four 20-year-olds: center Brett Howden and defensemen Libor Hajek, Ryan Lindgren and Sean Day. Gorton and Quinn each said the roster competition in training camp will be wide open and nobody will be held back because of a lack of experience.

Inside look at New York Rangers

NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 31 teams throughout August. Today, the New York Rangers.

The New York Rangers enter the 2018-19 season in full rebuilding mode. They have a new coach, David Quinn, and a roster made up mostly of young players with a few returning veterans from a team that missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season for the first time since 2010.

But don't mistake a rebuild as an excuse to lower expectations for the Rangers, who have missed the playoffs twice since goaltender Henrik Lundqvist arrived in the 2005-06 season.

"This year is about establishing a culture of winning," said defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, one of the returning veterans. "I think that it's important that when we show up in September that guys know that this isn't a year to just slightly improve. It's a year to try to make the playoffs."

[Rangers 31 IN 31: 3 Questions | Top prospects | Fantasy breakdown | Behind the Numbers]

Lundqvist had the exact same sentiment at the end of last season.

"Whoever is going to be here, we're going to compete and make sure we have a better year," he said April 10. "That's that."

Quinn was hired May 23 to replace Alain Vigneault, who was fired after five seasons with New York. Quinn, the coach at Boston University the past five seasons, is entering his first season as an NHL coach, and there is potential for several rookies to be in the lineup when the Rangers open the season against the Nashville Predators at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 4.

Quinn is a strong fit to coach the group of young Rangers, which likely will include rookies Lias Andersson, 19, and Filip Chytil, 18, who could be in two of New York's four center spots.

"David is hands-on, he's a talker, a communicator," Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton said. "I think players are going to look at him and say, 'This guy is a good guy. He knows what he's doing. We understand his system.' You'll see him active on the ice and I think it's going to work for our young group."

The leading scorer on the Rangers last season was forward Mats Zuccarello, who had 53 points (16 goals, 37 assists) in 80 games, the lowest point total for any team leader in the NHL last season.

The Rangers were tied for 21st in the NHL in goals per game (2.78) and will need more from center Mika Zibanejad, who had 47 points (27 goals, 20 assists) in 72 games; center Kevin Hayes, who had 44 points (25 goals, 19 assists) in 76 games; forward Chris Kreider, who had 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists) in 58 games; forward Pavel Buchnevich, who had 43 points (14 goals, 29 assists) in 74 games; forward Jimmy Vesey, who had 28 points (17 goals, 11 assists) in 79 games; center Vladislav Namestnikov, who had two goals and two assists in 19 games with New York after being acquired in a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning; and center Ryan Spooner, who had 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 20 games with the Rangers after being acquired in a trade from the Boston Bruins.

"When I write the names down on paper, I look and I say, 'This guy can be better. That guy can be better. We can get more out of this guy,'" Gorton said. "Sometimes when you're going through your team, you're thinking, 'Maybe we got the most out of this guy,' but I don't feel that here. I feel like everybody here has something to prove."

Lundqvist is among them. His numbers need to improve from last season, when he had a 2.98 goals-against average, the worst of his NHL career, and .915 save percentage in 63 games.

The 36-year-old was the Rangers' best player in many games but didn't get much help.

"Hank is as competitive and in as good a shape as he's ever been," Quinn said, "and I think he wants to be part of the next run we have in New York."

Shattenkirk plans to be as well, but he's coming off a disappointing first season with the Rangers after signing a four-year contract July 1, 2017. The 29-year-old injured his left knee in training camp and played through it before he was shut down Jan. 19. He had surgery to repair a torn meniscus and missed the rest of the season.

In addition to Shattenkirk, who is fully recovered, according to Quinn, defensemen Brady Skjei, Marc Staal and possibly Brendan Smith and Neal Pionk need to be better for New York to improve from 28th in goals-against per game last season (3.21).

"There's a lot of talk about youth and where we're going," Gorton said, "but there are a lot of players here who are trying to emerge and show they're better than maybe some people think they are. It's their time."

New York Rangers key statistics

NHL.com is providing in-depth analysis for each of its 31 teams throughout August. Today, three key statistics for the New York Rangers.

[Rangers 31 IN 31: Season preview | 3 Questions | Top prospects | Fantasy breakdown]

1. Scoring boost

The Rangers dropped from 253 goals in 2016-17, which ranked fourth in the NHL, to 228 last season, tied with the Chicago Blackhawks for 21st. The difference of minus-25 was the largest decrease in the NHL.

One area for improvement is scoring from their defensemen. Their leading scorer at the position last season was Ryan McDonagh, who had 26 points (two goals, 24 assists) in 49 games before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Feb. 26.

The Rangers have three defensemen who could score 40 points this season. Kevin Shattenkirk, who has at least 43 points in six of his eight NHL seasons, was limited to 46 games because of season-ending knee surgery Jan. 22 and finished with 23 points (five goals, 18 assists). Rookie Neal Pionk had 14 points (one goal, 13 assists) in 28 games, which projects to 41 points in 82 games. Brady Skjei, who had 39 points (five goals, 34 assists) in 80 games as a rookie in 2016-17, had 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) in 82 games.

Skjei opens the scoring

2. Stepping up

New York's top five scorers combined for 227 points (95 goals, 132 assists) last season, 31st in the NHL. The Rangers will continue to rely heavily on Mika Zibanejad, who led them with 27 goals and 212 shots on goal. Zibanejad's 14 power-play goals were tied for sixth in the NHL.

New York's share of 5-on-5 shot attempts increased from 44.23 to 51.45 percent with Zibanejad on the ice for a relative SAT of plus-7.22 percent that ranked fifth in the NHL among those to play at least 20 games.

3. Pressure in net

The Rangers allowed an average of 35.3 shots per game, second highest in the NHL after the New York Islanders (35.6) and their highest since giving up 37.5 per game in 1963-64.

Higher shot volumes placed additional pressure on goalie Henrik Lundqvist, whose save percentage has dropped from a previous NHL career average of .920 through the end of 2015-16 to .913 the past two seasons.

Should Lundqvist falter, the Rangers are without an experienced backup. Marek Mazanec, Alexandar Georgiev and Brandon Halverson have played a combined 17 NHL games over the past four seasons.

NYR TODAY MONDAY 8/20: Alumni Birthdays, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthdays 8/20:

Chris Drury C (2007-2011) Al Hamilton D (1965-66,1967-70) Ernest Kenny D (1930-1931) Steve Valiquette G (2003-04,2006-07)

Today in NYR History 8/20:

1996: The Rangers acquire Jayson More, Brian Swanson and the 1997 4th round draft pick (#82 Adam Colagiacomo) from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Marty McSorley.

2001: Rangers acquire the the rights to Eric Lindros and the 2003 conditional 1st round pick (not exercised) in exchange for Pavel Brendl, Jan Hlavac, Kim Johnsson and the 2003 3rd round draft pick (#81 Stefan Ruzicha).
Nine years after the New York Rangers think they've acquired Eric Lindros, they finally get him -- in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers. Philadelphia acquires his rights in a trade with the Quebec Nordiques in June 1992 that follows an arbitrator's ruling in their favor after the Flyers and Rangers each think they have a deal. After missing all of the 2000-01 season following a concussion and a contract dispute with the Flyers, Lindros finishes with 73 points (37 goals, 36 assists) in his first season in New York. He spends three seasons with the Rangers having seasons of 73, 53 and 39 points during his stint in New York, and left the team as an unrestricted free agent following the 2003-04 season.

After Spending oneseason  each with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars Lindros would announce his official retirement from the game in November of 2007. Lindros finished his career with 372 goals and 493 assists for 865 points, in 760 NHL games.

Seasons with Rangers: 3 (2001-2004)
Regular-Season Games with Rangers: 192
Playoff Games with Rangers: 0 
RANGERS DEBUT
Oct. 5, 2001 (Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes)
MAJOR NHL AWARDS/ACHIEVEMENTS WITH RANGERS
NHL All-Star Game — 2002 (injured, did not play)

RANGERS TEAM AWARDS
Boucher Trophy (Most Popular) — 2003-04
Rangers Good Guy Award — 2003-04

RANGERS TEAM LEADER
Most points — 2001-02
Most goals — 2001-02

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS WHILE IN RANGERS ORGANIZATION
2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah

NYR TODAY SUNDAY 8/19: Alumni Birthday, Today in Rangers History

NYR Alumni Birthday 8/19:

Taylor Pyatt LW (2012-2014)

Today in NYR History 8/19:

1947: The rebuilding Rangers obtain Buddy O'Connor and Frank Eddolls from the Canadiens in a trade for defenseman Hal Laycoe and forwards Joe Bell and George Robertson. 

O'Connor, a 5-foot-8, 142-pound center, has a career year with New York in 1947-48, finishing with 60 points (24 goals, 36 assists) in 60 games and helping the Rangers advance to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 1942. He ends up second to former teammate Elmer Lach in the scoring race but wins the Hart Trophy as MVP and the Lady Byng Trophy for skillful and gentlemanly play, becoming the first player to win both awards in the same season.
These achievements were reflected in his being named Canada's athlete of the year for 1948.

Eddolls becomes a regular on defense where he would enjoy five strong NHL seasons. In his first year with the club, he scored 19 points and served as the team's captain in 1950-51.

1988: Guy Lafleur, already elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame, begins his comeback by agreeing to a one-year contract with the New York Rangers that's contingent on his performance at training camp.
He plays well enough at training camp to earn a contract with the Rangers, joining Gordie Howe as the only players to take part in an NHL game after being elected to the Hall (Mario Lemieux becomes the third to do so in 2000).

Lafleur finishes with 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) in 67 games with the Rangers, then plays two seasons with the Quebec Nordiques before retiring for good.

1994: Rangers acquire Glen Featherstone from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Danile Lacroix.

2016: New York Rangers agree to terms with free agent forward Jimmy Vesey.