While all the talk on the first day was around the pursuit of Brad Richards, the Rangers did make a couple of minor moves to fill out their roster. Ruslan Fedotenko will return to the Rangers for a second season, inked to a one year, $1.4M contract.
The deal is $400K more than last season, when Fedotenko came to camp as an unsigned invitee and earned a $1M deal just before the season started. No doubt the Ukrainian born winger preferred not to go that route again. The sturdy left wing played a solid supporting role last year, putting up 10 goals and 15 assists in 66 games while playing mostly on the third line.
Also signed yesterday was 31 year old free agent Mike Rupp, to a three year $4.5M contract. After the death of Derek Boogaard this spring, the Rangers were likely looking for a heavyweight that could play on the fourth line, and in Rupp they have a 6-5 forward who can drop the gloves and also score a few goals here and there.
Rupp is coming off two seasons in Pittsburgh where he set career highs in almost all statistical categories. The Cleveland, OH native has also played for the Coyotes, Blue Jackets and Devils – twice.
Over his career, Rupp has averaged around six goals a season, but put up 13 and 9 respectively with the Penguins. Before his stint in Pittsburgh, Rupp typically played 50-60 games.
Reports from TSN had the Rangers involved in minor bidding war for the lanky left winger, and no doubt the deal that they signed was a little higher than they perhaps initially intended.
Focus today returns to another bidding war. Brad Richards is expected to announce his decision by noon today.
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