Three More Signed
Former #1 Pick Re-Signed
The Rangers announced today that they have re-signed Jamie Lundmark to a contract, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Originally drafted 8th overall in the 1999 draft, Lundmark has yet to secure a spot in the NHL going into his fifth professional season. Initially drafted as a center, the Rangers elected to move him to wing in his first professional season with the Wolf Pack. The move appeared to pay off in the 2002-03 pre-season, when Lundmark was amongst the offensive leaders as he played along sides the likes of Bobby Holik and Mark Messier. After making the NHL roster, Lundmark started slowly before finishing the season with a creditable 19 points in 55 appearanced.
His follow up season was somewhat disappointing with Lundmark struggling early and ultimately knocked out for over twenty games after clashing knee on knee with New York Islanders center Michael Peca. Lundmark ultimately returned, but was unable to make contribution in the latter stages of the season, before being given a handful of games back at his natural center spot as the season wore down.
Last year Lundmark initially elected to play in Italy, but returned early in the season to join the Hartford Wolf Pack. After some initial struggles, Lundmark finished the second half of the season with 31 points, the most by any Wolf Pack player. This season Lundmark will likely be given his final chance to stick with the Rangers and he may find himself traded if he is unable to make an impact.