The Rangers added two depth players today, with the signings of centers Tyler Arnason and Corey Locke. With only six centermen signed in the organization, the additions of Arnason and Locke provide the Rangers with a few options in New York and in Hartford.
Originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks, Arnason started his NHL career by recording 19 and 22 goals respectively in his first two full seasons. Coming out of the lockout season, the young forward struggled first with Chicago, and then did little to impress in a late season playoffs run with the Senators which saw him register just four assists in the final nineteen regular season games.
An off-season move to the Colorado Avalanche appeared to pay dividends when he registered 49 points, a career high. But with the Avalanche dynasty winding down, Arnason could not pick up the slack and managed a total of just 53 points in the past two seasons.
Few Avalanche fans appear upset to see him leave the mile high city, with one commentator in the Denver Post going so far as to catalog his failures. It’s interesting to note that the Rangers added Arnason after making a half hearted attempt at resurrecting the career of his former line-mate in Chicago, Mark Bell. Bell is currently a UFA.
In his defense, Sather has signed Arnason to a two-way contract, which will cost the team little if he’s sent to Hartford.
In other moves today, the Rangers brought back P.A. Parenteau for an additional year, and have brought fellow AHL standout Corey Locke into the mix. Parenteau re-joins the Rangers organization for a third season after he was acquired back in 2007. Yet to break through to the NHL with the Rangers, Parenteau has been a call-up on a couple of occasions, and has been amongst the scoring leaders for the Wolf Pack in both his full seasons with the team.
Locke was drafted in the fourth round by the Canadiens back in 2003, but has played just one NHL game to date. Coming off an AHL career high 79 point season with the Houston Aeros last year, Locke will likely join Parenteau with the Wolf Pack to start the season.
Yesterday the Rangers also officially announced the signing of undrafted free agent Chris Chappell. The 6-4, 212lb left wing finished up his OHL career last season with the Saginaw Spirit, breaking out with 38 goals and 38 assists in his senior year. The 21 year old is expected to compete for a spot in Hartford, or spend time with the Checkers this coming season.
The Rangers also officially parted ways with Nik Antropov who signed with the Atlanta Thrashers on a four year deal worth $16M.