It never is fun to lose, and it always takes me a while to get back into the groove of things after the Rangers season ends. So apologies certainly for having just the minimal updates so far.

First up, we’ve updated the OTG Draft page with details for the June 24-25 NHL Entry Draft to be hosted in Minnesota. The Rangers go in with just five picks – you can check out the Draft Picks Tracker for more details – this season, including just one in the top four rounds. Certainly the team could potentially add a pick or two if they see someone they like, and have several mid-range prospects that they could potentially move.

The Rangers will also be looking forward to the July 1st free agency period, particularly with respect to deciding what to do with several veterans on the team. In all the Rangers have eight pending UFAs, with Vaclav Prospal perhaps the most likely to return. Alexander Frolov has already made a decision, signing a contract to play in the KHL a couple of weeks ago.

On the prospect side, the Rangers announced earlier this week that they have signed undrafted free agent Blake Parlett to an entry level contract. Parlett was invited to camp last year and earned an AHL contract to play with Connecticut. The defenseman still has some work to do before challenging for an NHL spot, but will get a chance to continue to grow his game this year in Connecticut.

Parlett was the third undrafted free agent to join the team, joining the 25 year old Alaska-Anchorage left winger Tommy Grant and 21 year old 6-8 220lb goaltender Jason Missiaen in signing pro contracts.

The biggest move of the off-season so far came on Tuesday, when the Rangers acquired defensive prospect Tim Erixon from the Calgary Flames. The former first round pick is a son of former Ranger Jan Erixon, and was looking for a team where he could get a chance to play in the NHL this year. In exchange the Rangers sent two second round picks and prospect Roman Horak, receiving a fifth round back in return.

It was the second trade of the off-season, earlier in the Spring they sent former second round pick Ethan Werek to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for Swedish forward Oscar Lindberg. Werek had struggled with injuries since being drafted, and was unlikely to get a contract offer from New York.

The 6-0 185lb, Lindberg was also drafted in the second round – one year later in 2010. He’s reported to be a quick skater with above average passing, but lacks strength and power to get into the dirty areas of the ice.

Also signed to contracts this off-season were prospects Scott Stajcer, Christian Thomas, Jason Wilson and Carl Hagelin. They join fellow signees Dylan McIlrath and Ryan Bourque, who inked contracts back in March. The signings of Thomas, Wilson and McIlrath mean that New York already has three of last year’s draftees under contract.

Easily the most disappointing news of the off-season was the untimely loss of Derek Boogaard. The “Boogeyman” signed a four year deal with the Rangers last season, and registered his first goal in four seasons while playing twenty two games. His season was cut short due to shoulder and concussion problems, ultimately getting sent home on April 1st to continue his recovery as the Rangers prepared for the final stretch.