Falardeau Joins Pro Ranks
After rumors or summer long, the Rangers finally made official the signing of Lee Falardeau, their first pick in the 2002 draft. The 6’4″ Falardeau who compared himself in style to Bobby Holik, has struggled to improve his game since being selected and had reportedly fallen out of favor with the new coaching staff at Michigan State.Falardeau has played center and right wing and has had some success in the face-off circle and initially used his body to advantage, taking the body against some of the smaller competition in the NCAA. Injuries and a move away from the physical aspects of his game have hurt the Midland native over the last year or so and he will be looking to resurrect his career in the pro ranks.
OTG’s Take:
Falardeau has really struggled since the Rangers selected him in the 2002 draft and had pretty much played himself off the Michigan State roster. He’ll try and cement a spot on the Hartford roster, but could well end up in Charlotte (or beyond) to start the season off. New York will be hoping he can start using his size (like Taylor) at the pro level.
| Lee Falardeau Position: Right Wing Height / Weight :6-4 / 217 Shoots: Right Drafted: 2002 – 2nd Round (33rd), New York Rangers Birthdate: 7/22/1983 Birth Place: Midland, MI – USA Contract: undisclosed |
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| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | PIM | PP | SHG | GW | S |
| 1999-00 | US Jr | USHL | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 4 | – | – | – | – |
| 2000-01 | US Jr | USHL | 21 | 3 | 2 | 5 | – | 4 | – | – | – | – |
| 2002-03 | Michigan State | CCHA | 34 | 4 | 10 | 14 | – | 24 | – | – | – | – |
| 2003-04 | Michigan State | CCHA | 39 | 9 | 6 | 15 | – | 39 | – | – | – | – |
| 2003-04 | Michigan State | CCHA | 35 | 5 | 5 | 10 | – | 28 | – | – | – | – |