Immonen Signs On The Rangers finally made it official today, announcing the signing of Jarkko Immonen to an NHL contract. The announcement ends a period of uncertainty over Immonen’s future, and will mean the JYP’s former star forward will get a chance to compete for an NHL roster spot this season. Acquired from Toronton in March of 2004, Immonen was part of the deal that saw long time Ranger Brian Leetch leave the only team he had ever played for.
Without an NHL season last year, Immonen elected to continue to play for JYP in the Finnish SM-Liiga where he lead his team with 19 goals and 47 points in 54 appearances. His total of 47 points was tied for 7th in the league and his power play totals of 6 goals and 17 assists tied him for 4th in the league with 23 power play points.
There’s a good chance that Immonen will start the year with Hartford, but a strong camp and pre-season could see him earn a spot on the NHL squad to start the year.
Jarkko Immonen
Height: 6-0
Age: 23
Weight: 202
Birthday: April 19, 1982
Position: Center
Birthplace: Rantasalmi – Finland
Shoots: Right
Drafted: 2002 NHL Entry Draft – Toronto – #254 (8th round)
REGULAR SEASON
Season
Team
League
GP
G
A
Pts
+/-
PIM
PPG
SHG
SOG
2001-2002
Assat
FNL
44
0
2
2
26
6
–
–
–
2002-2003
JYP
FNL
56
10
23
33
8
34
–
–
–
2003-2004
JYP
FNL
52
23
26
49
8
28
–
–
–
2004-2005
JYP
FNL
54
19
28
47
3
24
6
2
0
Total
206
52
79
131
45
92
6
2
0
Trade Made With Ducks In an unexpected move, the Rangers have acquired centerman Steve Rucchin in exchange for minor leaguer Trevor Gillies and a conditional pick (believed to be a 4th rounder) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. The Mighty Ducks found themselves needing to move some salary and the Rangers were only to happy to oblige, taking on their captain in exchange for a limited return. The 34 year old Rucchin was selected in the 1994 NHL Supplemental Draft by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and has spent his entire ten year pro career with the team.
A reliable contributor at both ends of the ice, Rucchin is well liked by team mates and coaches and may provide some of the leadership the Rangers need to rebuild their organization. Rucchin has just one year remaining on his contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent next season.
In exchange the Ducks get Trevor Gillies, whom the Rangers signed as a free agent last summer. Gillies can play forward or defense, but played as a fourth line enforcer on the wing for the Wolf Pack last season.
Steve Rucchin
Height: 6-2
Age: 34
Weight: 215
Birthday: July 4, 1971
Position: Center
Birthplace: Thunder Bay, ON – Canada
Shoots: Left
Drafted: 1994 NHL Supplemental Draft – Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
