Rangers Call In Cullen
The first name free agent to sign with the Rangers will be coming fresh off a Stanley Cup win. Matt Cullen today agreed to terms with the New York Rangers on a multi-year deal. The former 2nd round pick had a career year last season scoring 25 goals and 49 points, both career highs. Set to turn 30 later this year, Cullen will join his fourth NHL team following stints with Anaheim, Florida and Carolina.
In terms of impact to the Rangers, it appears as if they have signed him to slot into the second line center spot. Cullen does not have particularly impressive offensive statistics, but had a 52.1% win rate in the face-off circle and will bring some stability to that part of the game. The signing means Jarkko Immonen will now likely have to beat out Dominic Moore to force a re-working of the center position.
Irish Eyes Are Smiling
New York Rangers General Manager Glen Sather added his biggest free agent name of the season today, with the announcement that the team has come to terms with former Detroit Red Wing and three time Stanley Cup Champion left wing, Brendan Shanahan. The 6-3 220lb 37 year old winger has been linked with the Rangers in the past, but like many who have gone before him, will join the club in what is most definitely the twilight of his career. Shanahan bounced back last year with his first 40 goal season since the 1999-00 season and the sixth of his career, and is certainly the type of player the Rangers lacked last season in their top six forwards.
There was some speculation that the former Red Wing alternate captain might assume the captaincy for Detroit with the retirement of team mate Steve Yzerman, but Shanahan said he felt the time was right, though there were reports last week that he wanted to move back to the east coast for family reason. The Rangers won out over Montreal in bidding for his services.