It took a couple of extra years, but Pavel Bure will finally be a New York Ranger. The Rangers have reportedly acquired the Russian winger from Florida for Igor Ulanov and Filip Novak along with three draft picks over the next two seasons. Bure has two years remaining on his contract at $10 million a year, but has long made it known that he wanted to play on Broadway.
The addition of Bure should help bolster the scoring ability for the Rangers, who’ve struggled to put up goals in recent games. Igor Ulanov who had been a healthy scratch and then sent to the Hartford Wolfpack, never really clicked with the Rangers and will not be missed by Rangers fans.
The Rangers also sent 2000 second round pick Filip Novak in the deal. Novak who impressed the Rangers immediately after being drafted, didn’t perform as well in camp this season and returned to the Regina Pats of the WHL. Recent reports also had the young defenseman slipping down the depth charts what with the acquisition of Bryan Berard and play that was below expectations.
Bure is a five time 50 goal scorer who has tallied 22 goals and 27 assists in 56 appearances this season. Last year he lead the league with 59 goals and was just one goal shy of his career high.
Details:
To New York – Pavel Bure, 2003 2nd Round Pick
To Florida – Igor Ulanov, Filip Novak, 2002 1st Round Pick, 2003 2nd Round Pick, 2003 4th Round Pick