This isn't really news, as it has been reported for quite some time that Rangers' defenseman Tom Poti agreed to a one-year, $2.4 million dollar deal. The new rules, along with some extra time on the power play now that Brian Leetch and Alexei Kovalev are gone, might benefit an offensively talented player like Poti.
The Rangers also signed AHL defenseman Steven MacIntyre to a one-year deal. The 6'6, 265 pounder split time between the Hartford Wolf Pack and the Charlotte Checkers in 2004-05.
Yesterday was another busy day for NHL free-agents, as teams locked up some of their own players. Of course, the most notable signing of the day was when the Pittsburgh Penguins inked winger and former Flyer John LeClair to a two-year contract.
The Montreal Canadiens re-signed their captain Saku Koivu.
Russia and the Czech Republic refused to ratify the proposed player transfer agreement that would allow NHL teams to bring drafted players over to North America. It is uncertain how the NHL and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) will proceed from here. This impacts the Rangers in that they would not be able to bring prospects like Jarkko Immonen or Petr Prucha over to the U.S. without an agreement. There has been speculation that NHL teams might negotiate with the respective countries independently, but it is likely that the league would prohibit the practice.
The Rodent discusses this situation today, and also gives a perspective on how players develop in countries like the Czech Republic.
Spector has this week's trade and free-agent rumors.
Todd Bertuzzi held a press conference yesterday to address the media and answer questions regarding his reinstatement to the NHL.
HDH
Posted by Jim at August 16, 2005 07:14 AMeMail this entry!
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