The Rangers have made it official, declining to offer pending RFA Mike Sauer a qualifying contract offer, meaning that the 26 year old defenseman will become an unrestricted free agent later in the week.
Not that it matters, Sauer hasn’t played hockey since December of 2011, when he was sidelined by a Dion Phaneuf hit. Since that game he’s battled post concussion symptoms, and remains unlikely to be able to resume his career.
It’s a loss both for him and the Rangers, as Sauer had become a dependable blueliner in his brief career after battling several injuries in juniors and the Wolf Pack. Over three seasons, he played 98 regular season games registering 4 goals, 14 assists, 96 penalty minutes and an impressive +28 plus/minus rating. He also appeared in five post season games in the 2010-11 season.
Sauer’s older brother Kurt also saw his career cut short by injury.
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