Rozsival, Two Others Signed
Rangers Sign Rozsival
The Rangers have announced that they have signed free agent defenseman Michal Rozsival to an NHL contract. The 27 year old defenseman became a free agent in 2004 after the Penguins decided against tendering an offer to the oft-injured defenseman who missed all but one game in the 2003-04 season with a knee injury. The Czech native returned to his homeland last season during the lockout and split time between Trinec and league champions Pardubice in the Czech Extraliga, registering 2 goals and 13 assists in 51 appearances.
Rozsival is seen as a puck moving defenseman who can contribute from the point on the power play, and averaged 20:25 in ice time with the Penguins in the 2002-03 season, his last in the NHL. Going into camp, it appears that Rozsival has the inside track on one of the final defensive spots on the roster.
Jed Ortmeyer Signs
The Rangers have announced that they have re-signed forward Jed Ortmeyer. Signed as an undrafted free agent May 22nd of 2003, Ortmeyer won the hearts of minds of the organization with his work ethic and hustle on the ice. After starting his first pro season in Hartford, the former captain of the Michigan Wolverines played 58 NHL games, registering 2 goals and 4 assists along with 16 penalty minutes. During the lockout last season, Ortmeyer elected to join the Hartford Wolf Pack where he registered 7 goals and 20 assists including a hat trick. Ortmeyer is expected to compete for an NHL roster spot on the 4th line coming out of camp.