Centerman Kevin Rooney has agreed to a two year, $1.5M contract with the New York Rangers.  The 27 year old Massachusetts native has played his entire career with the Devils, registering 10 goals and 9 assists in 95 games over four seasons.

Undrafted out of Providence College, the 6-2, 190lb center made his NHL debut in his second pro season, going pointless in four appearances during the 2016-17 season.  Last season he set career highs in games (49), assists (5), plus/minus (+8), penalty minutes (20) and shots (59).

With the departure of McKegg, Rooney projects to fill that depth center role.  He’s a fast skater, and good on the PK which are potentially areas the Rangers could leverage him through the season, particularly when injuries occur.  As a captain at high-school and his final year of college, he may also bring some leadership and accountability to a team that continues to sit near the top of the league in youth.

While initially it does not look like there’s a spot for Rooney in the starting line-up, he could push Brett Howden for fourth line duty, in addition to playing that depth role.