In what thought by many Rangers Fans a precursor to "bigger things" the Rangers started off the day announcing Jeff Beukeboom as their new Assistant Coach. The NYR Alumni Defenseman will be running the defense for the Rangers after previous experience as AHL Affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack Assistant running and developing the defense there. A huge win for Rangers Fans as the team brings back a popular player in Rangers History and a link to the 1994 Stanley Cup Champs.
The Rangers started off slow on was was thought by most a day New York would make a splash in both deals and signings.
The Rangers would go on to sign just four players during the day adding veteran bottom 6 forward Michael Grabner in what was probably the best signing of the day for Jeff Gorton. Grabner received a 2 year deal worth 1.6M per year. The Rangers also picked up forward Nathan Gerbe for a one year deal worth 600K. The diminutive 5'5" Gerbe is known for his speed, hockey sense, playmaking acumen and shiftiness. Albeit his small stature he is said to pack a dangerous shot and is gritty (willing to fight for the puck in the corners)."
The Rangers also signed right-shot defenseman Adam Clendening to a two-year deal worth $600,000 in the NHL and $300,000 in the AHL.Clendening, 23, has played 50 games in the NHL with Chicago, Edmonton, Pittsburgh and Vancouver. The last signing of the day for New York was 23 year old defenseman Michael Paliotta who was a third round pick of Chicago in 2011, played four years at the University of Vermont and traded by Chicago to Columbus in the Brandon Saad trade last year. Paliotta is 6-4, 212 and played 68 games for Columbus' AHL team with 8 goals and 15 assists. He has played two career NHL games, one with Chicago in 14-15 and one with Columbus this past season. Both Players seem to be fill-in signings destined for the depleted Hartford Wolf Pack roster.
Both Rangers UFA's Eric Staal and Viktor Stalberg decided to sign elsewhere. Staal wound up signing a 3 year deal with the Minnesota Wild and Stalberg picked up a 1 year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Hartford Wolf Pack UFA's Jayson Megna (Vancouver) and Chris Mueller (Coyotes) signed deals with other teams.
Although the Rangers have extended Qualifying Offers to all of their Restricted Free Agents there has been no progress or signings as of yet.
NYR Alumni Birthdays 7/2
Lorne Carr RW (1933-1934) George McPhee LW (1983-1987) Aaron Voros LW (2008-2010)
Today in NYR History July 2
2011: The Rangers sign free agent forward Brad Richards. The former Conn Smythe-winner played three seasons in New York, scoring 56 goals and 151 points in 2010 games. Richards scored 12 goals and 28 points in 56 playoff games.
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