The Rangers made it official today, signing Ruslan Fedotenko to a one year, one million dollar deal. The two time Stanley Cup winner came to Training Camp after the Rangers extended a try-out offer to him, and his play since has certainly warranted his addition to the team.
This will mark the second time the Ukrainbian born winger returns to play under John Tortorella, having been with the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2002-03 through to 2006-07 while Tortorella was the head coach.
Having won Cups with Tampa (2004) and Pittsburgh (2008), he brings real playoff experience, as well as the ability to provide some offense from the Rangers’ third line. His career high of 26 goals was set under Tortorella in the year following the lockout, though he’s not been able to reach 20 goals in any other season.
Last year with the Penguins, he finished with 11 goals and 19 assists in 80 games, was was a clear team worst -17 plus/minus. A scoreless post season in six games, certainly didn’t help him.
A guy who has typically averaged 14-16 minutes a game with the four teams he’s played with (Flyers, Islanders, Lightning and Penguins), he can play either wing and on both the PK and PP. His utility is something that the Rangers like, though having another natural winger doesn’t hurt either.
Coming out of camp, it looks like Fedotenko will be paired with rookie Derek Stepan and Sean Avery to start the season.