Key Moments - 2022 Offseason

The New York Rangers have had a decent offseason to date. 

No more major moves are expected, at least in the form of free agent signings. 

All in all, GM Martin Auzins made 10 key signings with 2 of them being unrestricted free agents that were not here last season and two Franchise tagged players.

When you look back on the moves for new season’s lineup it began with the signing of rookie Anton Lundell to a three-year Entry Level Contract.

Followed by 4 major re-signings.

PATRICK KANE SIGNS ONE-YEAR DEAL

Rangers leader in career points, goals, assists, power play goals, game-winning goals and shots is back for another season. 

New York Rangers resigns Patrick Kane to 1 year deal that carries AAV of $4,125,000

After leading Rangers in points with 109 in 2020 season, Kane struggled to find the rhytm last year and finished the season with 68 points in 76 games.

CHRIS KREIDER SIGNS ONE-YEAR DEAL

New York Rangers resigns Chris Kreider to 1 year deal that carries AAV of $3,850,000

After being re-acquired from the Anaheim Ducks to be teams top sniper, Kreider simply couldn't find the back of the net. With 11 goals in 67 games last year, Rangers are hopeful Kreider can find his scoring touch.

SAM BENNETT SIGNS ONE-YEAR DEAL

RFA Sam Bennett finally got his chance last year with the Rangers playing mainly on the 3rd line and was awared a new deal to return to the team. Bennett had been trending downward for last 3 seasons seing time only on the 4th line and it looked like his EHE career will go nowhere but finally getting a better oppurtunity, the forward scored 35 points last season and is expected to fight for a top 6 role this season.

Bennett leads Rangers in games played with 366 in his career and that says much about patience the GM has had for him as players come and go in New York but not Bennett.

He is here to stay.

JOSH MORRISSEY SIGNS FOUR-YEAR DEAL

The Rangers are shoring up their blue line as they have resigned Josh Morrissey to a four-year contract.

The contract is worth $10.78 million over four years, with a cap hit of $2.695 million per season.

The 27-year-old defenseman registered 16 points (6G, 10A) in 47 games for the Rangers this past season.

The Calgarian was acquired in a deal with the Colorado Avalanche during last year.

Then going into Unrestriced Free Agency The Rangers knew they were not going to be able to go big. Having 21 players signed already for the 23 spots on the opening night, Rangers had to pick their targets wisely.

Top priority was to sign one or two defensive minded forwards that could help the PK.

On day 1 it was reported that The Rangers made an offer to Tyler Seguin but the talented player chose to stay with the Florida Panthers, signing a huge three-year deal.

Knowing that avenue won't work out Rangers went back to their main priority and foound themselves two forwards.

RANGERS SIGN NICK BONINO TO ONE-YEAR DEAL

At 34 years old, he’s still an effective middle-six forward, with great defensive results and decent offensive results. In 79 games with the Blackhawks/Stars last season, Bonino put up 15 goals and 19 assists.

“Nick is a proven, veteran center who has been a winner at every level of hockey he has played - 58 games in EHE playoffs prove that,” said Rangers general manager Martin Auzins in a release. “His skillset is well-rounded, bringing a lot of intangibles to our club, and he has a knack for playing his best when it means the most.”

RANGERS SIGN PAUL BYRON TO ONE-YEAR DEAL

Byron had 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in 82 games and averaged an 10:29 of ice time per game last season with the Boston Bruins.

His strengths are on the PK, where he spent an average of 01:41 per game last year.

The addition of the two veteran forwards should help bring stability to the roster as younger players adjust to the EHE and they both come in with cheap and moveable contracts. The Rangers almost certainly missed out on their prime, but Martin Auzins ultimately could’ve done a lot worse on the first day of free agency