Rangers continue their busy start to 2011-12 season with a minor league move, sending center Brodie Dupont to the Nashville Predators in exchange for right wing Andreas Thuresson.
A third round pick in 2006, Dupont got a surprise call-up last year and played a limited role on the fourth line in one appearance with the Rangers. The 6-2 210lb forward set a career highs at the AHL level last year, with 31 assists and 45 points, but saw his goal total dip continue a downward trend from 18 in his second AHL season, to 17 in 2009-10 and 14 last season.
In exchange, the Rangers picked up the Swedish born Thuresson, who has played 25 NHL games over two seasons, recording 1 goal and 2 assists, along with 6 penalty minutes.
Thureson earned $575,000 last season, his first contract coming out of his entry-level deal. He is currently a restricted free agent.
It appears at this stage that Thuresson is a depth player for the Connecticut Whale franchise, and is unlikey to feature in the Rangers plans going forward.
Former Ranger defenseman Matt Gilroy has signed a one year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Gilroy signed a two year $3.5M deal coming out of college as an undrafted free agent, but never really settled into the Rangers line-up. John Tortorella remained concerned with Gilroy’s play, and a $2M qualifying offer for a third pair defenseman who played 50-60 games was always unlikely.
The addition of Tim Erixon to the line-up over the spring pretty much sealed his fate, even while the Rangers reportedly offered him a cheaper deal to remain.
Another undrafted free agent Justin Soryal is also moving on. The rugged winger signed yesterday with the Carolina Hurricanes organization after three years in the Rangers organization.